Ukrainian President Zelensky will meet with German Chancellor Merz in Berlin, joined by European and U.S. leaders, before a Trump-Putin summit. The goal is to ensure European and Ukrainian voices are heard. Zelensky and European leaders are excluded from the summit.
Zelensky will meet with European leaders, then have a virtual call with Trump and Vance. A call with the "coalition of the willing" will follow. Zelensky doubts Putin will negotiate in good faith and urges allies to pressure Russia for peace.
Trump wants to assess Putin's intentions. He has suggested Ukraine might cede territory, disappointing allies. Europeans want Ukraine involved in peace talks, fearing exclusion.
Zelensky rejected Putin's ceasefire proposal involving territorial concessions. He stated that diplomatic discussions haven't addressed key Ukrainian demands.
Senior EU officials believe Trump may prioritize a ceasefire and broader U.S. interests. Russian forces are advancing near Pokrovsk.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces struck a Russian oil pumping station. Putin spoke with Kim Jong Un and Lavrov spoke with Rubio to discuss summit preparations.
5 Comments
Africa
The fact that Lavrov is talking to Rubio about these matters shows how serious things have gotten. This really could be the beginning of the end for Ukraine
Fuerza
This 'ceasefire first, talk later' approach is exactly what Russia wants. It's a win for Putin and a loss for Ukraine.
Manolo Noriega
This is a diplomatic circus. It's hard to see any path that ends with Ukraine ahead.
Fuerza
Zelensky is right to prioritize Ukraine's demands. The war must end on their terms.
Ongania
I am cautiously optimistic. Any effort to bring peace to this region is a good thing.