Trump Urges Putin–Zelensky Meeting, but Moscow Drags Its Feet
The possibility of a face-to-face encounter between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has resurfaced, but the Kremlin is showing little urgency in pursuing it.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, after recent discussions with Putin in Alaska and a White House session with Zelensky alongside European leaders, has been pressing for direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv. He acknowledged the war is “difficult to solve” and even hinted that Putin might not be interested in ending it.
Trump originally promoted the idea of a three-way summit involving himself but has since suggested that Putin and Zelensky meet first. He has not ruled out joining later if the situation requires it but insists the initial step should be theirs.
Kremlin Hesitation
Although Putin appeared receptive when speaking with Trump earlier this week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov quickly downplayed the prospect. Lavrov argued that any potential meeting should be carefully prepared through lower-level negotiations before leaders get involved—an approach seen by many as a delaying tactic.
Moscow’s diplomats echoed this message, stressing they weren’t dismissing direct dialogue altogether but that rushing into a summit without groundwork would be counterproductive.
NATO’s Concerns
Meanwhile, NATO and European allies are holding intensive consultations. Britain’s defense chief, Admiral Tony Radakin, is in Washington for talks, while alliance commanders meet virtually to consider what security measures might be necessary if a ceasefire is ever agreed.
Some discussions have focused on security guarantees for Ukraine, an issue that Zelensky and European governments have pressed Trump to support. Trump has floated the possibility of U.S. air power backing European troops on the ground, while ruling out sending American soldiers himself. Concrete plans, however, remain vague.
Allies Remain Skeptical
Trump’s belief that direct negotiations could lead to peace has not convinced everyone. French President Emmanuel Macron described Putin as “a predator,” and Finnish President Alexander Stubb warned that Moscow cannot be trusted.
Zelensky has said he is open to negotiations “in any format,” but Kyiv is unlikely to accept Russia’s suggestion that he travel to Moscow. Neutral venues such as Geneva have been mentioned, while locations like Budapest raise concerns due to Hungary’s pro-Kremlin stance.
History of Distrust
Putin and Zelensky last met in 2019. Since then, Russia’s invasion has devastated Ukraine, leaving tens of thousands dead and entire towns destroyed by bombing and missile attacks.
From Moscow’s perspective, Zelensky is portrayed as illegitimate and an obstacle to Russia’s goals, with state media depicting him as a “clown.” The Kremlin continues to insist that any ceasefire would have to include a change of leadership in Kyiv—terms Ukraine and its partners flatly reject.
That leaves Trump once again in the role of would-be mediator, optimistic he can broker progress but facing the reality of a vast divide between Moscow’s demands and Ukraine’s survival. For now, the route to peace remains distant and uncertain.
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