19.08.202500:32:06UTC+00Trump Proposes Putin–Zelensky Meeting

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday plans for a forthcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This announcement followed a phone call with Putin after high-level discussions in Washington, D.C. The multilateral meeting involved Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO representative Mark Rutte, and leaders from the UK, France, Italy, Germany, and Finland. Trump shared his optimism on social media, stating: "Everyone is very hopeful about the prospect of PEACE between Russia and Ukraine." He also mentioned that a trilateral meeting involving himself would be arranged following the Putin-Zelensky discussion. The logistics for this meeting are to be coordinated by Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and envoy Steve Witkoff. Trump highlighted that "President Putin agreed to accept security guarantees for Ukraine," emphasizing its significance as a key negotiation topic. He remarked, "I believe the European nations will shoulder much of the responsibility. We will assist them and ensure a very secure arrangement."