Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a trilateral summit with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine, now surpassing 600 days.
This initiative underscores Zelensky’s commitment to direct diplomacy and his insistence that Ukraine must be an active participant in any peace negotiations.
Zelensky emphasized that any agreements concerning Ukraine’s future must include Kyiv’s direct involvement. He stated, “We cannot accept it, as an independent country, any agreements (made) without us,” highlighting the necessity of Ukraine’s presence in discussions that determine its sovereignty and security .
The proposal comes amid heightened military tensions, with Russia amassing over 50,000 troops near Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, suggesting a potential large-scale offensive . In response, Ukraine has launched significant drone attacks targeting Russian defense infrastructure, marking an escalation in the conflict .
President Trump has expressed frustration over the lack of progress in ceasefire negotiations, criticizing both Putin and Zelensky for not reaching an agreement. He has warned Putin that continued aggression could lead to severe consequences, stating that he is “playing with fire” .
European leaders have voiced concerns over being excluded from U.S.-Russia discussions about the war. The formation of the Weimar+ alliance, comprising France, Germany, Poland, the UK, and Italy, reflects Europe’s desire to have a significant role in peace negotiations and to ensure that any agreements uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty .
While the Kremlin has not responded to Zelensky’s proposal for a trilateral summit, the Ukrainian leader remains open to various formats of dialogue, emphasizing the urgency of ending the conflict and restoring peace in the region.
