Ukrainian President Zelensky says he’s ready for talks with Trump and Putin in any format or location as Kyiv awaits Moscow’s ceasefire proposal.
Ukraine is ready for any format of negotiations, both on a technical level and at the level of state leaders, including the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and himself, President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a closed meeting with journalists, according to Kyiv Post journalist.
Kyiv Post gathered the president’s key statements. “We are ready for the Trump-Putin-me format, or for separate meetings — Trump-Putin, Trump-Zelensky, and then all three together. It’s not a question of time or place, the main thing is the substance,” Zelensky said, adding that both the American and Russian sides are aware of this.
The president clarified that the venues for such meetings could be either technical or political; among the possible locations, he named the Vatican and Switzerland. Everything will depend on the subject of discussion. For example, if the topic is a ceasefire, the United States should be involved as a party Ukraine trusts in matters of monitoring and ensuring compliance with any agreements.
“If we are talking about security guarantees, I strongly believe that Europeans must be part of the process — they are the ones willing to support us with weapons and financing. It is their responsibility,” he explained to journalists on Tuesday, May 27.
On matters such as EU membership or economic guarantees, Zelensky emphasized that discussing them with the Kremlin is pointless, as the decision rests solely with the European Union.
Sanctions Pressure on Russia from the EU and the US
President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine is expecting the 18th package of EU sanctions, which is currently being discussed behind closed doors. In parallel, Kyiv is also holding talks with members of the US Senate and the Trump administration.
“We believe that if these sanctions are voted on and supported by the White House, it would serve as a crucial confirmation of the new administration’s ‘peace through strength’ policy,” Zelensky said.
Commenting on the delay in adopting a new US sanctions package, Zelensky linked it to Washington’s hopes for concessions from the Kremlin, particularly regarding an end to the war. In his view, such hesitation only emboldens Moscow and could impact the morale of Russian forces — with consequences on the battlefield.
“Not introducing sanctions boosts morale in the Kremlin… They are emotionally inspired by words,” he added.
Zelensky acknowledged that some policymakers in both the US and Europe are wary of increasing pressure on Russia, fearing it could close off dialogue. However, he said such a strategy “does not work with Putin.” He echoed the US position that only “through strength” can Moscow be compelled to consider peace.
