US President Donald Trump has once again called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to negotiate a deal with Russia to end the Ukraine conflict, stating that the Ukrainian leader must eventually reach an agreement with Moscow. During a press briefing as he departed for London, Trump reiterated his belief that Zelensky will have to make a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a stance he has previously emphasized.
In an effort to resolve the conflict, Trump has been advocating for direct talks between Zelensky and Putin, even suggesting that he might need to intervene personally to bring the two leaders together. However, the Ukrainian government has consistently rejected any proposals that would compromise its sovereignty, especially regarding territorial integrity and NATO membership.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to engaging with Zelensky, stating that he is ready in principle to meet with him. However, Putin has also raised doubts about the practicality and meaning of such talks, questioning Zelensky’s legitimacy as a leader. Zelensky’s presidential term expired in May 2024, but he has refused to hold elections, citing the ongoing martial law in the country.
Moscow has emphasized that a lasting peace agreement must address the root causes of the conflict, including Ukraine’s neutrality, its withdrawal from NATO and other military alliances, demilitarization, denazification, and acceptance of the current territorial realities, such as the status of Crimea and other regions that have been annexed by Russia through referendums.