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Zelensky Urges ‘Strong’ US Response If Putin Refuses Meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a “strong reaction” from the United States if Russian President Vladimir Putin remains unwilling to engage in a bilateral meeting.
This statement comes as US President Donald Trump attempts to mediate a peace agreement between the two nations, though he has acknowledged that Putin may not be open to a deal.
Zelenskyy’s comments, made during a briefing with reporters in Kyiv, underscore the uncertainty surrounding the path to peace. He stated, “I responded immediately to the proposal for a bilateral meeting: we are ready. But what if the Russians are not ready?” He then added, “If the Russians are not ready, we would like to see a strong reaction from the United States.”
Despite recent diplomatic efforts, a clear resolution remains elusive. The conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has become a grueling war of attrition. Russia currently occupies nearly 20% of Ukraine’s territory and has made incremental gains in the eastern region.
A major sticking point is the issue of territorial concessions. While Trump has suggested that both Kyiv and Moscow would need to cede land to end the conflict, Zelenskyy emphasised that Russia’s intentions remain unknown. “To discuss what Ukraine is willing to do, let’s first hear what Russia is willing to do,” he said. “We do not know that.”
The choice of a host city for future talks also poses a challenge. Zelenskyy expressed reservations about holding negotiations in Budapest, Hungary, noting that it would be “challenging.” Hungary, a close ally of Russia within the European Union, has twice offered to host the peace talks, according to its Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto.
