The Kremlin has dismissed speculation of an imminent summit between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has urged both leaders to meet and discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine.
Trump’s call for direct talks followed his meeting with Putin in Alaska last week. On Monday, he hosted Zelensky alongside seven European leaders at the White House.
Trump admitted the conflict would be difficult to resolve. He also warned that Putin might not be interested in ending the war. “We’re going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks,” he said on Tuesday. “It’s possible that he doesn’t want to make a deal.”
Trump signals cautious role
Trump said Putin would face “a rough situation” if he resisted talks, though he did not elaborate. Later, he suggested Zelensky and Putin might achieve more by meeting without him. His comments came in a late-night interview with conservative host Mark Levin.
He added he would join a meeting “if necessary,” but preferred to wait and watch how events unfolded.
Putin told Trump on Monday he was “open” to direct discussions with Ukraine. But the next day, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov weakened that commitment. He insisted any summit must begin with technical talks and proceed step by step.
Russia’s deputy UN envoy Dmitry Polyanskiy also said the idea of negotiations had not been rejected. However, he stressed it should not be “a meeting for the sake of a meeting.”
Nato leaders weigh next steps
Nato’s military chiefs will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday. Britain’s defence chief, Admiral Tony Radakin, is in Washington for discussions about a reassurance force in Ukraine.
Reports claimed Putin suggested Zelensky could travel to Moscow for talks. Such a move was unlikely to be accepted by Ukraine. Observers said the proposal looked unrealistic and designed to appear constructive.
Trump now appears more aware of the war’s complexity and the gap between Moscow’s demands and Kyiv’s position.
His earlier promise of a swift ceasefire has not materialised. Instead, he now supports a permanent peace agreement with strong security guarantees for Ukraine.
Zelensky and European leaders urged him to back these guarantees. They argued such commitments are crucial for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Washington rules out sending troops
On Tuesday, Trump said the US could provide air support if European allies supplied ground forces in Ukraine. He ruled out deploying American troops. He did not clarify whether air support meant intelligence, drones, or fighter aircraft.
Meanwhile, France and the UK are leading a “coalition of the willing.” The group is developing plans for a reassurance force that could move into Ukraine if fighting stops.
After a virtual meeting on Tuesday, a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed the coalition would soon meet US counterparts. Their goal is to deliver robust security guarantees for Ukraine.
Old disputes shadow talks
After his meetings with Putin and Zelensky, Trump said direct negotiations might bring peace closer. Still, he admitted there was “tremendous bad blood” between the two leaders.
Putin and Zelensky last met in 2019. Since then, Russia’s invasion has caused tens of thousands of deaths, widespread destruction, and repeated airstrikes on civilians.
Putin does not recognise Zelensky’s legitimacy and blames him for Ukraine’s Western ties. He has long spread unfounded claims that Kyiv is run by a “neo-Nazi regime.” He insists any ceasefire must include regime change in Ukraine.
Moscow also shows little interest in talks while its troops maintain an advantage on the battlefield.
Still, Zelensky and European leaders favour the idea of a summit. Zelensky said he was open to “any format” of discussions. Europeans have floated several potential locations for such talks.
They hope by backing dialogue they can pressure Trump to harden his stance if Putin refuses to compromise.
Europe shows deep scepticism
European leaders remain far less optimistic than Trump about Russia’s intentions. On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron called Putin “a predator, and an ogre at our doorstep.” He said he had “the greatest doubt” that Moscow wanted peace.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb also expressed scepticism. He said Putin was “rarely to be trusted” and doubted a summit with Zelensky would ever occur.
Further high-level discussions are planned in the coming days. Questions remain over how firmly Trump will support Europe in its security plans.
