Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy on Thursday called on Europe to play a greater role in US negotiations with Russia regarding a potential end to the war in Ukraine.
The call came on the heels of an announcement by US President Donald Trump, also on Thursday, that he will meet with Vladimir Putin, even though the Russian head of State refuses to speak with his Ukrainian counterpart.
Responding to a journalist’s question in the Oval Office, Trump said he did not believe Putin needed to speak with the Ukrainian leader before their meeting. "No, he doesn't," Trump told reporters. "They would like to meet with me and I'll do whatever I can to stop the killing."
Earlier on Thursday, Putin had remarked that “conditions” for a meeting with Zelenskyy were not met.
The Kremlin confirmed that a meeting between Trump and Putin would occur “in the coming days.” According to US media, special envoy Steve Witkoff suggested the idea of a trilateral discussion involving Putin, Trump, and Zelenskyy. However, Yuri Ushakov, the diplomatic adviser to the Russian President, stated that only a meeting between Trump and Putin will take place soon.
During his regular video address on Thursday evening, Ukraine's president stressed the need for Europe to be involved in the talks, emphasising that any decisions made to resolve the conflict and ensure security would affect all of Europe.
He described the Russian war against Ukraine as a conflict "in and against Europe," and announced plans for European-level meetings to coordinate positions. "Europe's voice must have influence in the process," he stated.
Following phone discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Zelenskyy was also planning a call with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The US Government has only informed representatives of European nations of Trump's plans to hold talks with Putin on the war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy is expected to be involved in the discussions at a later stage.
