Zelensky Seeks Diplomatic Talks with Trump and European Leaders Amid Slow Peace Efforts
Ukrainian President Zelensky calls for meetings with US President Trump and European leaders to discuss recent developments in peace efforts with Russia.
KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Friday his intention to hold diplomatic talks with US President Donald Trump and European leaders next week.
The proposed meetings aim to accelerate the push for peace, amid growing frustration with what Zelensky has described as Russia's lack of constructive engagement in ending the ongoing three-year war.
Trump has expressed skepticism towards Russian President Vladimir Putin's reluctance to engage in direct peace talks with Zelensky.
In a previous statement, Trump mentioned that he expected to make a decision on next steps within two weeks if direct talks were not scheduled.
He has criticized Putin for 'talking nice' while continuing military operations.
The United States called upon Russia to demonstrate seriousness in pursuing peace during an emergency UN Security Council meeting held on Friday.
This meeting was convened following a major Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine that took place overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, resulting in at least 23 casualties.
Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential office, met with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff in New York to discuss preparations for upcoming meetings.
Yermak emphasized the need for real diplomacy and the implementation of agreements reached during the Washington summit.
Zelensky has accused Russia of stalling negotiations by arguing that groundwork for a potential peace settlement should be established by lower officials before leaders meet.
He stressed that it is crucial for leaders to be directly involved in reaching agreements.
The Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, reiterated Moscow's stance that Putin 'does not rule out' meeting Zelensky but only after progress at the expert level has been made.
Peskov highlighted the need for thorough preparation before a summit can take place.
Zelensky called for swift implementation of secondary sanctions on countries that continue to trade with Russia, thereby supporting its war economy.
He emphasized the necessity of securing weapons supplies through domestic production or Western provision as part of potential post-war security guarantees being assessed by Western countries.
Following the attack on Kyiv, authorities in the region declared a day of mourning.
Flags were lowered to half-staff and all entertainment events were canceled.
The youngest victim of the attack was identified as a 2-year-old girl, while eight people remain unaccounted for.
The war in Ukraine is expected to be a significant topic at the upcoming UN General Assembly from September 22-29.
Some analysts have noted that previous US administrations have been cautious about taking a tough stance against Putin due to concerns of potential nuclear conflict.
The proposed meetings aim to accelerate the push for peace, amid growing frustration with what Zelensky has described as Russia's lack of constructive engagement in ending the ongoing three-year war.
Trump has expressed skepticism towards Russian President Vladimir Putin's reluctance to engage in direct peace talks with Zelensky.
In a previous statement, Trump mentioned that he expected to make a decision on next steps within two weeks if direct talks were not scheduled.
He has criticized Putin for 'talking nice' while continuing military operations.
The United States called upon Russia to demonstrate seriousness in pursuing peace during an emergency UN Security Council meeting held on Friday.
This meeting was convened following a major Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine that took place overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, resulting in at least 23 casualties.
Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential office, met with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff in New York to discuss preparations for upcoming meetings.
Yermak emphasized the need for real diplomacy and the implementation of agreements reached during the Washington summit.
Zelensky has accused Russia of stalling negotiations by arguing that groundwork for a potential peace settlement should be established by lower officials before leaders meet.
He stressed that it is crucial for leaders to be directly involved in reaching agreements.
The Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, reiterated Moscow's stance that Putin 'does not rule out' meeting Zelensky but only after progress at the expert level has been made.
Peskov highlighted the need for thorough preparation before a summit can take place.
Zelensky called for swift implementation of secondary sanctions on countries that continue to trade with Russia, thereby supporting its war economy.
He emphasized the necessity of securing weapons supplies through domestic production or Western provision as part of potential post-war security guarantees being assessed by Western countries.
Following the attack on Kyiv, authorities in the region declared a day of mourning.
Flags were lowered to half-staff and all entertainment events were canceled.
The youngest victim of the attack was identified as a 2-year-old girl, while eight people remain unaccounted for.
The war in Ukraine is expected to be a significant topic at the upcoming UN General Assembly from September 22-29.
Some analysts have noted that previous US administrations have been cautious about taking a tough stance against Putin due to concerns of potential nuclear conflict.
