Zelensky urges Trump and Putin to participate in peace negotiations involving three parties
The international community is urging Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, with U.S. President Donald Trump setting a deadline of August 8, 2025, for Moscow to reach a deal with Kyiv. A meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to discuss this matter.
Currently, Russia controls approximately 20% of Ukraine's territory, and it is estimated that the Kremlin can sustain its war effort for at least three more years under existing conditions. If Putin refuses to agree to a ceasefire, the U.S. plans to impose additional secondary sanctions targeting Russian oil transportation, which would further limit Moscow’s revenue and critical resources.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that partners demonstrated unity towards one mission during Wednesday's talks and expressed encouragement. If there is no movement towards a deal, Zelensky indicated that more pressure on Russia will be needed. He also stated that the U.S. is ready to support Ukraine.
Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, said that territorial questions concerning Ukraine can be, and will be, negotiated only by the Ukrainian president. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Trump to ensure any peace plan safeguards both Ukrainian and European security. He also stressed that a ceasefire must come first in any agreement with Russia.
Ukraine is prepared to negotiate on territorial issues, but the legal recognition of Russian occupation is not up for debate, as stated by Merz. Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission chief, described the discussions as strengthening common ground for Ukraine and stated that Europe, the U.S., and NATO would remain in close coordination.
European countries are working to "help set the agenda" for Friday's meeting between Trump and Putin. Von der Leyen also stated that nobody wants peace more than them, a just and lasting peace. The EU has reiterated that Ukraine must 'decide its own future' ahead of the summit.
Trump supported the idea of a future trilateral meeting with Putin and Zelensky in Europe in a neutral country. Zelensky, however, stated he would wait for the outcome of the meeting before deciding if it was a historic moment.
German and Ukrainian leaders discussed possible security guarantees, but Merz noted that this was not discussed in detail and would follow any agreement. The discussions indicate a collective effort towards finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
[1] Source: Reuters, Associated Press, and BBC News
Note: This article is a summary and interpretation of the provided bullet points, written in a clear and straightforward style suitable for a general audience.
- Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, asserted that territorial issues regarding Ukraine can only be negotiated by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine with U.S. President Donald Trump, with European countries working to influence the agenda of the meeting.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that more pressure on Russia may be necessary if there is no movement towards a deal regarding the ceasefire in Ukraine.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for any peace plan to safeguard Ukrainian and European security, emphasizing the importance of a ceasefire being the first step in any agreement with Russia.
