Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the end of the war should take place in “neutral Europe.” During a conversation with journalists, he clarified that Ukraine is open to considering Switzerland, Austria, and Turkey as venues for negotiations.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Zelensky on the Venue and Format of Negotiations
“It is fair… for the meeting to be in neutral Europe. Because the war is in Ukraine and on the European continent,” the president said, noting that the Ukrainian side agrees to Switzerland and Austria as venues for negotiations and is also open to Turkey, as it is a “NATO country and part of Europe.”
Regarding Budapest as a potential meeting place, Zelensky emphasized the complexity of this option due to the position of the Hungarian authorities, who oppose supporting Ukraine. The president also categorically ruled out the possibility of holding negotiations in Moscow.
Zelensky expressed hope that the United States would respond if Russia refuses to meet with the leaders. He stressed that Ukraine expects a “strong reaction” from the U.S. if the Russian Federation shows no willingness to negotiate.
U.S. Reaction and Positions of the Parties
After talks with Zelensky and several European leaders, U.S. President Donald Trump announced preparations for a leaders’ meeting between Ukraine and Russia, and also considered the possibility of a trilateral summit involving him.
The White House stated that Putin agreed to a bilateral meeting with Zelensky, after which trilateral negotiations involving the U.S. president could take place. According to White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt, U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the president’s special envoy Steve Witkoff were involved in the preparations.
The Kremlin has not yet confirmed plans for a meeting between Zelensky and Putin, only noting that Moscow may “explore the possibility of raising the level of representatives” at the negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov assured that Russia does not reject any formats for peace negotiations—both bilateral and trilateral—but emphasized the need for careful preparation for contacts involving state leaders.
After a massive Russian strike on Ukraine on the night of August 21, Zelensky emphasized that the aggression of the Russian Federation indicates a lack of willingness to engage in constructive negotiations. He called for increased international pressure on Russia, including the imposition of tougher sanctions and tariffs, to compel it to end the war.
The President of Ukraine confirmed his readiness for a bilateral meeting with Putin, which could evolve into trilateral negotiations involving the U.S. president. Zelensky stressed that only a leaders’ meeting can resolve the most complex issues and has garnered support from European partners in this intention.
Currently, the exact time and place for a possible meeting remain uncertain. Among the potential locations, Budapest, Geneva, Istanbul, and even Alaska have been considered. Additionally, Minsk was proposed by Alexander Lukashenko’s office, but a decision has not yet been made.