Zelensky Urges Direct Talks With Putin After Trump Envoy Meets Russian Leader

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday called for a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to help bring an end to the ongoing war, following recent talks between Putin and Donald Trump’s special envoy in Moscow.

Trump had earlier praised the discussions between his envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Putin as “highly productive,” although U.S. officials reiterated plans to impose sanctions on countries continuing trade with Moscow.

Zelensky later revealed he had spoken by phone with Trump, who indicated he might meet with Putin “very soon.” Zelensky noted that European leaders were also part of the call.

“Ukraine has consistently maintained that real solutions can only be effective when discussed at the leadership level,” Zelensky wrote on social media, emphasizing the need to agree on both timing and agenda for such a meeting.

He also mentioned plans to hold several conversations throughout the day with key European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and officials from France and Italy. Communication among national security advisors was also expected.

Zelensky stressed that the primary objective remains getting Russia, which initiated the conflict, to take concrete actions toward ending its aggression.