Trump says Putin-Zelensky meeting would be 'great'

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for a potential meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, calling it "great" and suggesting it could help end the ongoing conflict. Trump indicated that he had played a role in facilitating such discussions and urged both sides to reach compromises.

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I think it would be great if they met. They should - get it done.

"I think it would be great if they met. They should - get it done," Trump told reporters, emphasizing his belief that progress could be made through direct engagement. He added, "They're going to both make compromises, I suggested those compromises, and you know, we've had a lot to do with it."

Zelensky recently proposed direct, face-to-face talks with Putin in a public letter, seeking to establish a clear date for negotiations and offering a full ceasefire during that period. This initiative followed a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on Saint Petersburg.

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They're going to both make compromises, I suggested those compromises, and you know, we've had a lot to do with it.

However, the Kremlin stated that Putin had not yet seen the letter, though they indicated Zelensky could meet Putin in Moscow "any time." Russia has previously demanded Ukraine's withdrawal from the Donbas region as a precondition for peace talks. Putin has also repeatedly questioned Zelensky's legitimacy, particularly after his initial five-year term expired in 2024, citing martial law which prohibits elections during wartime in Ukraine.

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Ukraine proposes ending this war through direct engagement between us - and you. I am proposing a meeting. I propose to set a clear date for such a meeting. Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire for the duration of the negotiations.