Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made clear that any meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin depends on Western allies first delivering firm security guarantees for Ukraine.
“We want to have an understanding of the security guarantees architecture within seven to 10 days,” Zelensky said Thursday. “Only then can we consider a summit.” He said Britain and France are spearheading efforts to organize a coalition of countries prepared to defend Ukraine against renewed Russian aggression.
The Ukrainian leader rejected suggestions of Chinese involvement, pointing to Beijing’s close ties with Moscow, and insisted that any future summit be held in a neutral European location rather than Moscow.
His comments came as Russia launched one of its largest air offensives in weeks, striking cities across Ukraine. At least one person was killed in Lviv, while an American-owned industrial complex in Mukachevo was hit, injuring 19 workers.
Moscow accused Kyiv of pursuing “unrealistic” security demands and dismissed hopes for long-term peace. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is pressing for a breakthrough, pushing both Zelensky and Putin toward face-to-face talks despite skepticism in Kyiv and Western capitals.