Trump says a meeting between Putin and Zelensky to end Ukraine war will happen ‘very soon’
Donald Trump says Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky will meet “very soon” as his administration steps up efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. If it takes place, the meeting would be a significant move towards direct talks, which have been stalled since the start of the year.
Zelensky has said a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia could take place in November, and the Kremlin has also referred to planned talks in the United Arab Emirates. Putin has suggested discussions could happen around 10 November and said they should address security arrangements for a final peace deal, rather than a short truce. The article says Zelensky reported that Ukrainian forces had retaken more than 800 square kilometres this year; Moscow has previously rejected face-to-face talks and sought control of more eastern Ukrainian territory.
In short
- Trump says Putin and Zelensky may meet soon.
- Ukraine, Russia and the US have discussed November talks.
- Putin says talks should address a lasting peace deal.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A direct meeting could create a rare opening to negotiate an end to the fighting, reduce further loss of life and give each leader a chance to test possible terms face to face. Supporters may argue that discussing lasting security arrangements, as Putin has proposed, could address the causes of renewed conflict more effectively than a short truce.
The case against
A meeting may bring little progress if the parties’ aims remain far apart, and could risk lending legitimacy to demands for Ukrainian territory without securing a durable peace. Critics may argue that talks should not weaken Ukraine’s position or replace credible security guarantees, particularly while fighting continues and control of territory remains disputed.
Explained simply
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the fighting has continued alongside intermittent diplomatic efforts. Ukraine is led by President Volodymyr Zelensky; Russia is led by President Vladimir Putin, while the United States, under President Donald Trump, has been involved in efforts to bring the sides into talks.
A peace deal would need to address issues including territory and security arrangements. Ukraine and Russia have held few direct discussions on ending the war, and their stated positions on what a settlement should involve have differed.