Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a three-way summit with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to end Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
“If Putin isn’t comfortable with a bilateral meeting—or if everyone prefers a trilateral one—I’m open to any format,” Zelensky told reporters on Tuesday.
Putin recently declined an offer to meet Zelensky in Turkey, and the Kremlin has insisted that any direct talks depend on reaching a preliminary agreement. Meanwhile, President Trump has expressed growing frustration with both leaders for failing to end the three-year war.
Following a recent phone call with Putin, Trump spoke separately with Zelensky and European leaders, according to the German government. During those talks, Zelensky urged Washington to impose tough new sanctions on Russia’s banking and energy sectors.
“Trump confirmed that sanctions will follow if Russia doesn’t stop,” said Zelensky. “We discussed energy and banking. I’d very much like to see action on both.”
The Ukrainian president has previously criticized the U.S. for not responding more aggressively after Russia dismissed a Western appeal for a ceasefire.
Last weekend, Trump called Putin “crazy” after a deadly Russian missile strike killed at least 13 civilians in Ukraine. On Tuesday, Trump doubled down on social media:
“If it weren’t for me, really bad things would’ve already happened to Russia. He’s playing with fire!” he wrote on Truth Social.
Escalation on the Battlefield
The conflict has escalated in recent days. Ukraine launched nearly 300 drones at Russian targets overnight, while Moscow said it intercepted most with minimal damage. Russian officials claim Ukraine’s drone barrage forced temporary airport closures in Moscow.
Meanwhile, Zelensky warned that over 50,000 Russian troops are massing near the northeastern Sumy border, as Moscow pushes to establish a “buffer zone” within Ukrainian territory.
Despite recent peace talks in Istanbul—the first in over three years—Zelensky says Ukraine is still waiting for Russia to clarify its demands. He accused Moscow of deliberately stalling the process.
Zelensky is expected in Germany on Wednesday for talks with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has promised strong support for Kyiv.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said a second round of negotiations would be announced soon.
