A potentially historic meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin could happen within the next two weeks, according to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The breakthrough appears to have come after a phone conversation between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, where both leaders agreed to move forward with the meeting.
The meeting would take place at a yet-to-be-determined location, Merz announced Monday.”
The American president spoke with the Russian president on the phone and agreed that there would be a meeting between the Russian president and the Ukrainian president within the next two weeks,” Merz told reporters at the White House.
But he remained cautious about Putin’s commitment, questioning whether the Russian leader “will have the courage to attend such a summit” and noting that persuasion would be needed.Russia Stays Noncommittal.
While Putin’s foreign policy adviser confirmed that high-level negotiators continue discussions, Moscow hasn’t committed to Putin’s personal participation in any face-to-face talks.
The potential meeting comes as European and American leaders intensify pressure for peace negotiations, though deep disagreements remain over the path forward.
The Sticking PointsAt the White House, Merz joined French President Emmanuel Macron in insisting that any ceasefire must come before a peace deal—a position Putin has rejected.
Instead, Russia continues pushing for an immediate agreement that would require Ukraine to surrender significant territory, something Kyiv has firmly refused to accept.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the day’s discussions as “good and constructive,” pointing to two key developments: stronger security guarantees for Ukraine from U.S. and European partners, and the commitment in principle from both Zelensky and Putin to meet, possibly followed by a three-way summit including Trump.
Setting the TermsMacron made clear that any peace agreement must allow Ukraine to maintain “a robust army that can resist any attempted attack,” with no restrictions on its size or capabilities.
He warned that Moscow would face additional sanctions if it blocks progress.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte backed this up, promising escalated tariffs and sanctions if Russia stalls negotiations.
In a personal touch, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that Trump pledged to help return Ukrainian children taken to Russia during the war.
“Every single Ukrainian child must be returned to their families,” she wrote, thanking Trump for his commitment.
Trump later called the issue a global priority and something “very important” to his wife, Melania.
