Arrangements are underway for a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by a trilateral session with US President Donald Trump.
The announcement came after Zelensky met Trump and European leaders at the White House in what was described as a markedly warmer encounter than their fractious February meeting.
According to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Putin agreed to direct talks with Zelensky “within the next two weeks” after a call with Trump.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed the arrangement, while European leaders including Emmanuel Macron, Ursula von der Leyen, Keir Starmer, Giorgia Meloni and Alexander Stubb were present for the Washington talks.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump said: “Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine… After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself.”
Security guarantees for Ukraine were a central focus. Zelensky told reporters: “This is very important that the United States gives such a strong signal and is ready for security guarantees.”
Trump signalled openness to providing NATO-style guarantees, though he reiterated his opposition to Ukraine joining the alliance.
While Ukraine seeks protection commitments, Russia is pressing for territorial concessions in the Donbas region. Some European leaders, including Macron and Merz, stressed the importance of a ceasefire before further negotiations, while Trump argued a peace deal could be pursued even as fighting continues.
Despite divisions, NATO’s Rutte described America’s willingness to offer security guarantees as “a breakthrough.”
Trump, for his part, said he believed Mr Putin “wants to make a deal,” and added: “Not very far from now, a week or two weeks, we’re going to know whether or not we’re going to solve this.”
Source: The Australian
