Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his readiness to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Supporting Trump’s proposal, Zelenskyy stated he is prepared for negotiations with both Russia and the United States to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine.
“The key issues emphasized by Ukraine can be discussed at the leadership level, and a tripartite format would be suitable for this purpose,” Zelenskyy said. He mentioned having an approximately hour-long conversation with Trump, followed by telephone discussions with European leaders.
Zelenskyy stressed the importance of European involvement at every stage of the process. “We have also discussed positive signals regarding U.S. participation in Ukraine’s security. We continue coordinating with all our partners,” he added.
The Ukrainian president had previously advocated for holding trilateral talks in Alaska, emphasizing that a ceasefire cannot be achieved by bypassing war-torn Ukraine.
Earlier on Saturday morning, while returning to Washington after his three-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump held a phone conversation with Zelenskyy aboard Air Force One.
The discussions reflect ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the conflict, with Zelenskyy maintaining Ukraine’s central role in any peace negotiations while welcoming international mediation and support.
**Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Ready for Talks with Putin Following Trump’s Mediation**
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany confirmed that President Donald Trump held discussions with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European NATO leaders while aboard Air Force One. According to CNN, Trump first briefed Zelenskyy on the progress of his high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska before engaging with European leaders.
Following their conversation, Zelenskyy announced he would travel to Washington on Monday at Trump’s invitation, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to discuss ending the ongoing violence and war in Ukraine. *”I will arrive in Washington D.C. on Monday to meet with President Trump and discuss stopping the killings and ending the war in Ukraine. I am grateful for the invitation,”* Zelenskyy stated, reaffirming his commitment to establishing peace through maximum diplomatic efforts.
Zelenskyy acknowledged Trump’s detailed briefing on the Alaska summit, including key discussion points from the Putin meeting, emphasizing America’s critical role in shaping the current situation. *”President Trump informed me about the Alaska talks, including the main topics discussed with Putin. The U.S. role remains pivotal in determining the next steps,”* he said.
**”The Ball is Now in Zelenskyy’s Court”: Trump**
Speaking to Fox News after his three-hour meeting with Putin, Trump remarked that while significant progress had been made, no final agreement was reached. *”We agree on many points, but there’s no deal yet. A deal isn’t a deal until there’s full consensus. Still, substantial progress has been made for now,”* he stated. Trump noted that critical issues remained unresolved but did not specify them, shifting responsibility to Zelenskyy: *”Now it depends on Zelenskyy. European leaders must be involved, but ultimately, the decision rests with him. Preparations are underway for another meeting—I’ll join if they want me there.”*
**Putin’s Uncompromising Demands**
During a press conference, Putin reiterated Russia’s four non-negotiable conditions for a ceasefire:
– Transfer of significant Ukrainian territory to Russian control
– Demilitarization of Ukraine
– A permanent ban on Ukraine’s NATO membership
– Regime change in Kyiv
These demands have been unanimously rejected by Ukraine and Western nations as unacceptable.
**European Leaders Reject Territorial Concessions**
Following the Trump-Putin talks, European leaders held urgent virtual discussions with Trump, firmly opposing any compromises on Ukraine’s sovereignty. They declared that land swaps or other decisions undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity would be illegitimate. Trump assured them that only Ukraine could determine its territorial future, reinforcing the principle of self-determination amid escalating diplomatic tensions.
The developments underscore the delicate balance of international mediation, with Zelenskyy positioning Ukraine as central to any resolution while navigating complex alliances and Putin’s unyielding stance. The upcoming Washington meeting signals continued U.S. engagement, though a breakthrough remains uncertain.
