A direct conversation between President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in the works, with the explicit goal of discussing the future of Ukrainian territory currently held by Russian forces. The White House announced it is facilitating this high-stakes meeting, which it hopes will take place in the near future.
President Zelenskyy himself confirmed that the territorial question is the primary issue he intends to raise directly with Putin. “The question of territory is a question that we will leave between me and Putin,” he told reporters. This framing separates the core sovereignty dispute from broader security discussions, which are being held with international partners.
The summit was set in motion after a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Putin, where Putin allegedly agreed to the meeting. According to the White House, the Russian leader committed to meeting within two weeks. However, Russian officials have tempered expectations, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressing the need for “utmost thoroughness” in preparing for such a significant event.
As these diplomatic maneuvers unfold, the nature of future security for Ukraine is being actively debated. President Trump has firmly ruled out the deployment of American soldiers on Ukrainian soil. However, he hinted at another form of support, suggesting Washington could provide air assistance. The White House later confirmed that air support is “an option and a possibility” being considered.