Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his desire for a “strong reaction” from the U.S. government, should Russian President Vladimir Putin refuse a one-on-one meeting with him.
This situation arises as U.S. President Donald Trump endeavors to mediate a peace treaty between Ukraine and Russia, who have been embroiled in conflict since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, Trump acknowledges that Putin might not be ready to negotiate a deal.
Zelenskyy has said he has already agreed to a proposed meeting with Putin.
Trump separately met with Zelenskyy and Putin. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Zelenskyy mentioned that it remains uncertain what territorial concessions Russia is prepared to offer to resolve the conflict. In the past, Trump has suggested that both Kyiv and Moscow should be willing to relinquish some territory.
“To discuss what Ukraine is willing to do, let’s first hear what Russia is willing to do,” Zelenskyy said. “We do not know that.”
