Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is open to a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin — but only once Ukraine’s allies finalize security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Zelensky stressed that his government expected a clear “architecture of guarantees” within a week to 10 days. “We need to understand which country will be ready to do what at each specific moment,” he said. Britain and France are leading efforts to build a coalition of states that will back those guarantees.
Zelensky ruled out China’s involvement, citing Beijing’s alignment with Moscow, and insisted any summit must take place in a neutral European country, not in Russia.
The remarks came as Russia escalated its strikes, launching the biggest drone and missile barrage since July. Overnight attacks killed at least one person in Lviv, injured dozens, and hit an American-owned factory in Mukachevo, where 19 people were wounded.
The Kremlin dismissed Kyiv’s security demands as incompatible with Moscow’s terms and accused Ukraine of lacking interest in a “long-term” peace. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump continues his push to broker direct talks between Zelensky and Putin despite limited progress.
