Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has stated that his government expects a robust response from the United States should Russia refuse to engage in direct peace negotiations. The comments came during a briefing in Kyiv, as U.S. President Donald Trump attempts to mediate between the two nations. Zelenskiy confirmed his immediate willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin but expressed doubt about the Kremlin’s commitment to such a dialogue.
President Trump has been actively involved in recent diplomatic efforts but has himself acknowledged that Putin may be unwilling to reach an agreement. This uncertainty leaves the path to peace unclear, as the United States and its allies continue to deliberate over potential security guarantees for Ukraine. The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, continues to grind on, with Moscow currently controlling nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Zelenskiy emphasized that the terms for ending the conflict remain undefined, particularly regarding territorial concessions. He challenged the notion that Ukraine should be the first to offer compromises, stating, “To discuss what Ukraine is willing to do, let’s first hear what Russia is willing to do. We do not know that.” This stance highlights a key obstacle in any future negotiations, as both sides appear entrenched.
Further complicating the diplomatic landscape is the potential venue for talks. Hungary, a Russian ally within the European Union, has repeatedly offered its capital, Budapest, as a host for peace talks. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto confirmed the offer on Thursday. However, President Zelenskiy indicated that holding negotiations in Budapest would be “challenging,” reflecting the deep political divisions surrounding the conflict.
