Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are set to meet face-to-face within two weeks to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This announcement comes from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who shared the news after a meeting with Zelensky and other European leaders at the White House.
Chancellor Merz expressed some skepticism about Putin’s willingness to engage directly with Zelensky. He suggested that the Russian leader might lack the courage for a one-on-one meeting. However, reports indicate that Putin has expressed readiness to meet with Zelensky, as he told former President Donald Trump during a recent phone call.
Trump, who has offered to join the peace talks, stated he would be present after the initial meeting between the two leaders. He expressed optimism about the potential for peace, noting that many are hopeful about this development. Trump mentioned in a post that arrangements for the meeting are underway and that the location is yet to be determined.
During discussions, Trump highlighted that security guarantees from the United States could be part of a peace agreement. However, the Russian government has rejected proposals for a NATO peacekeeping force in Ukraine, citing concerns about escalating the conflict.
The topic of land swaps has also surfaced, with discussions about Ukraine potentially giving up territory in the Donbas region. Merz firmly opposed this idea, comparing the demand to asking the U.S. to give up Florida.
As the world watches, the upcoming meeting could be a crucial step toward resolving a war that has lasted nearly four years. The international community remains hopeful that dialogue between these two leaders will pave the way for lasting peace.
