Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed openness to meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, but only after a prior discussion with incoming US President Donald Trump and obtaining robust security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelenskyy made the remarks during a three-hour interview with American podcaster Lex Friedman on Sunday.
Responding to Friedman’s suggestion of a possible trilateral meeting involving Trump, Putin, and himself to negotiate a peace agreement, Zelenskyy emphasized that any talks with Russia must be preceded by direct engagement with Trump. He suggested a meeting on January 25 or another date to first determine strategies for halting the war and countering Russia.
“If the US president offers strong security guarantees, then it is possible to talk to the Russians,” Zelenskyy stated, adding that he would not agree to sit down with all three leaders simultaneously without preconditions. He also underscored the importance of European participation in the peace process.
Zelenskyy stressed that Kyiv requires solid security assurances and weaponry before considering a ceasefire, warning that without such measures, Russia could exploit any truce to regroup and launch a new offensive.
This comes amid signals from both Trump and Putin of potential openness to dialogue. On December 19, 2024, Putin expressed readiness to meet Trump “at any time,” and Trump, during his election campaign and after his victory on November 5, repeatedly vowed to end the war in Ukraine, claiming it could be achieved “within 24 hours.” Trump’s inauguration is set for January 20, 2025.
