Zelenskyy Urges Putin to Show Courage and Agree to a Three-Way Meeting with Trump

Published: Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 4:23 am

Zelenskyy Calls for Putin to Meet with Trump, Seeks European Support

Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate in a trilateral meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, potentially as early as next week. The call for a meeting follows discussions Zelenskyy had with Trump and European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Zelenskyy, who echoed comments made by Trump, emphasized the need for courage from Putin to end the ongoing conflict. He stated that various meeting formats, including bilateral and trilateral options, were discussed to bring about peace. Ukraine, he asserted, is not afraid of such meetings and expects a similar approach from Russia.

However, the Kremlin has responded cautiously. According to Kremlin foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, the trilateral meeting option was mentioned by an American representative during a meeting in the Kremlin but was not specifically discussed. The Russian side has reportedly left the option without comment, instead focusing on preparing for a bilateral meeting with Trump.

Zelenskyy also highlighted his coordination efforts with European leaders to ensure their interests are represented in any U.S.-Russia-Ukraine discussions. He emphasized the importance of a unified European stance on key security issues. Germany and France have taken on leadership roles in supporting Ukraine and protecting European interests, particularly following Trump's return to the White House.

BNN's Perspective: The call for a trilateral meeting represents a significant diplomatic maneuver. While the Kremlin's response suggests a reluctance to engage in this format, the initiative underscores Ukraine's commitment to seeking a resolution to the conflict. The involvement of European leaders is crucial, as it highlights the shared responsibility for European security. The success of any potential meeting will depend on the willingness of all parties to compromise and find common ground.

Keywords: Zelenskyy, Putin, Trump, trilateral meeting, Ukraine, Russia, Europe, peace talks, conflict resolution, diplomacy, bilateral meeting, European leaders, security issues.

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