Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin could meet face-to-face in the next two weeks. The announcement was made on Monday by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
According to Merz, the decision came after a phone call between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. He explained that the leaders agreed on the meeting, and a three-way summit with Trump could happen afterward.
Merz, speaking at the White House, revealed that the U.S. president and the Russian leader had already agreed to the talks. However, he noted that there are still doubts about whether Putin will “have the courage” to attend.
Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy adviser, said top negotiators will continue preparing for discussions. Still, he stopped short of confirming Putin’s direct involvement.
The White House meeting, which included European leaders, focused on the next stage of peace efforts. Both Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron insisted that a ceasefire should come before any peace agreement.
Putin, however, dismissed that demand, pushing instead for an immediate deal.
The toughest sticking point remains Russia’s demand for Ukraine to give up parts of its land — something Kyiv strongly rejects.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the talks as “positive and constructive.” He highlighted two key results: stronger U.S.-European cooperation on Ukraine’s security and a confirmed plan for the Zelensky-Putin meeting, which may later include Trump.
Macron stressed that any peace deal must allow Ukraine to keep a strong army, capable of defending itself. He warned that more sanctions would follow if Russia blocked progress.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also supported that stance, promising tougher sanctions and tariffs if Moscow delays negotiations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Trump had pledged to help return Ukrainian children taken by Russia. She added, “Every single Ukrainian child must be reunited with their families,” while thanking Trump for his commitment. Trump also called the issue a global priority and said it was very important to his wife, Melania.
