Trump backed a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin following an open letter
Trump made these remarks whilst speaking to journalists at the White House. Earlier, Zelenskyy published an open letter to Putin, in which he proposed a face-to-face meeting, a complete ceasefire for the duration of the talks and a prisoner exchange on an ‘all for all’ basis.
US President Donald Trump has responded to Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s open letter to Vladimir Putin, in which the Ukrainian president proposed a face-to-face meeting to end the war.
When asked by a journalist whether Zelenskyy was right to consider Trump too preoccupied with the war in Iran, the US President did not give a direct answer.
Instead, Trump stated that he supports the possibility of negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.
“I’m glad they might be talking about a meeting. I think we’ve had a lot to do with that. I think it would be great if they met. They should do that,” Trump said.
What Zelenskyy proposed
In an open letter to Putin, Zelenskyy proposed setting a specific date for a face-to-face meeting.
The President of Ukraine stated that after 26 years of Putin’s rule, the Ukrainian leader in Moscow, just like the Russian leader in Kyiv, “has nothing to do”. Therefore, the venue for the talks could be countries that traditionally host meetings on war and peace – in particular Switzerland, Turkey or countries in the Arab world.
Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine is ready for a complete ceasefire during the negotiations.
Separately, he proposed an exchange of prisoners of war on an “all for all” basis and emphasised the need to return civilians and children taken by Russia during the war.
The US position
Trump stated that, in his view, the US “had a lot to do” with the possible preparation of such a meeting. He also noted that Zelenskyy and Putin must “end” the war.
According to the AP, Trump welcomed the idea of direct talks, but also stated that to end the war, the parties would have to make compromises.
What is important
So far, this is merely Zelenskyy’s public proposal and Trump’s reaction to the possibility of a meeting.
No official date has yet been announced for talks between the President of Ukraine and the President of Russia.
According to Reuters, the Kremlin has confirmed receipt of the letter and stated that Putin will be briefed on it.
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