Ukrainians welcomed with hope the overseas press leaks about the possibility of convening a Ukraine‑US‑Russia summit later this week. According to British Sky News, the White House had informed European leaders of such plans.
War in Ukraine. Leaks on the Three‑Way Summit
The information published by Sky News was relayed through almost all Ukrainian agencies and TV stations. For Ukrainians, this would indicate that the process of resolving the conflict with Russia is accelerating. According to Sky News, Washington had informed European leaders of this. The station highlighted technical problems in convening the three‑way summit – the main difficulty being the agreement on the venue for the meeting of Volodymyr Zelensky, Donald Trump, and Vladimir Putin.
What Will Zelensky’s Talks with Trump Bring?
European politicians want the meeting to take place in Europe. It is unknown how the Kremlin will react. Antonio Tajani, Italian deputy prime minister and foreign minister, said Rome is ready to host such a summit. Ukrainians expect a successful negotiation after Zelensky’s meeting with Trump. Ukrainian media point out that the EU, previously criticized for lagging, has strongly supported Kyiv in diplomatic matters in recent weeks.
The Summit in Washington
On Monday, Volodymyr Zelensky will meet Donald Trump in Washington. The summit will also include leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Union, and NATO. Media report that Trump may discuss with Zelensky topics including Russia’s demand that Ukraine hand over the entire Donbas. The Ukrainian president earlier excluded territorial concessions, stating that it is impossible under the Ukrainian constitution.
Zelensky on “Demonstrative Killings” of Putin
Before the meeting, Russians fired on Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Odesa. In that context, Zelensky said that “Putin will carry out demonstrative killings to maintain pressure on Ukraine and Europe, and to humiliate diplomatic efforts.” “It was a demonstrative and cynical attack from Russia. They know that Washington is hosting a meeting to discuss the end of the war,” he wrote. He added that in Odessa a deliberate attack by Russia on an energy facility belonging to an Azerbaijani company suggests it was not only an attack on us but also on our relations and energy security. “Therefore I am seeking help to stop these attacks. Reliable security guarantees are necessary. Russia should not be rewarded for its participation in this war. The war must end. Mos…,” he emphasized.
