Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a three-way summit with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in a renewed push to end Russia’s three-year invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Zelensky said he is open to any format that might lead to progress. “If Putin is not comfortable with a bilateral meeting, or if everyone wants a trilateral meeting, I don’t mind. I am ready for any format — Trump, Putin, and me,” he said.
The proposal follows Russia’s rejection of Zelensky’s earlier offer to meet in Turkey. The Kremlin has said talks with the Ukrainian leader can only happen after a preliminary agreement is reached.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with both sides for failing to strike a deal. Zelensky urged Washington to impose tough new sanctions on Russia’s energy and banking sectors, saying, “We are waiting for sanctions from the United States. Trump confirmed that if Russia does not stop, sanctions will be imposed.”
Zelensky voiced disappointment over the lack of fresh U.S. sanctions after Russia rejected a recent Western call for a ceasefire.
Hours after his comments, Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russia, firing nearly 300 drones. Moscow claimed only minor damage.
On the front lines, Zelensky warned that Russia is amassing over 50,000 troops near Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, where it has seized several settlements in a push to create what President Putin has described as a “buffer zone.”
Zelensky also said Kyiv has yet to receive a formal memorandum from Russia outlining its demands for a peace deal.
