Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a three-way summit with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to force Moscow to halt its three-year-long invasion.
This proposal comes amid escalating tensions and massive aerial attacks between the two sides.
Zelensky expressed his readiness for a meeting in any format, saying, “If Putin is not comfortable with a bilateral meeting, or if everyone wants it to be a trilateral meeting, I don’t mind. I am ready for any format.” He emphasized the need for hard-hitting sanctions on Russia’s banking and energy sectors, stating, “We are waiting for sanctions from the United States of America”.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, widespread destruction, and Moscow’s control over a fifth of Ukraine’s territory. Recent developments include:
– Ukraine launching nearly 300 drones at Russia, causing minimal damage but disrupting major airports
– Russia launching over 900 drones at Ukraine, killing 13 civilians, including three children
– Russia amassing over 50,000 troops on the front line around the northeastern Sumy border region
US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration at both Putin and Zelensky for not striking a deal to end the war.
Zelensky is set to visit Germany for talks with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has pledged support for Kyiv. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that details on a second round of negotiations would be announced soon.
