August 18, 2025 — Washington, D.C.
Former US President Donald Trump has announced that he is working to arrange a direct meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a move that could revive stalled negotiations aimed at ending the Ukraine war.
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| Trump - Putin - Zelensky Peace Talks |
The announcement followed Trump’s high-profile meetings in Washington, where he hosted Zelensky and several European leaders for talks focused on conflict resolution and security guarantees for Ukraine.
Trump Speaks With Putin After Zelensky Meeting
Trump revealed that he had a phone call with Putin shortly after meeting Zelensky in Washington. During the call, he began discussions about organizing a bilateral summit between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders.
“We are looking to set up a direct meeting between President Putin and President Zelensky in the coming weeks,” Trump said.
He added that he hopes to follow this with a trilateral meeting involving himself, alongside the two leaders, to broker a peace agreement.
Possible Venue and Timing
The summit could take place within two weeks.
Hungary has been floated as a potential venue, according to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
This would mark the first face-to-face talks between Putin and Zelensky since June 2025 in Turkey, when negotiations broke down.
Ukraine’s Position
Zelensky confirmed his readiness for talks, but reiterated that any agreement must include firm Western-backed security guarantees for Ukraine.
During meetings in Washington, Trump assured Zelensky that the US and European nations would help provide such guarantees, a key condition for Kyiv before considering peace terms.
Russia’s Position
Putin has expressed “openness” to talks but has not officially confirmed participation. Russian officials remain cautious, noting that Moscow’s demands on territory and NATO expansion remain unchanged.
Reactions and Concerns
European leaders cautiously welcomed Trump’s mediation but remain worried that any deal may favor Russia.
Critics warned about Trump’s “warmth” toward Putin and potential pressure on Ukraine to make territorial concessions, including Crimea and eastern regions.
Analysts say the talks could be a diplomatic turning point, but risks remain high if negotiations collapse.
FAQ's
Q1. Why is Trump arranging Putin-Zelensky talks?
Trump says he wants to broker a peace deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war, using his personal influence with both leaders.
Q2. Where could the talks take place?
Hungary has been mentioned as a possible venue, but no official location has been confirmed.
Q3. Has Putin agreed to meet Zelensky?
Putin has expressed openness, but the Kremlin has not yet formally confirmed participation.
Q4. What does Ukraine want from the talks?
Ukraine seeks security guarantees from the US and Europe before considering any peace deal. Zelensky has confirmed he is ready to meet.
Q5. Why are Western allies concerned?
Some fear Trump could push Ukraine into a peace deal favoring Russia, especially on territorial disputes like Crimea and NATO membership.
Q6. When did Russia and Ukraine last hold direct talks?
The last formal Putin-Zelensky negotiations were held in Turkey in June 2025, but they collapsed without progress.
