Trump announces: Direct negotiations between Putin and Zelensky are near

U.S. President Donald Trump announced yesterday, Monday, the beginning of arrangements for a historic face-to-face meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a new attempt to end the ongoing war between the two countries.

Trump confirmed during a press conference following a series of meetings he held at the White House with his Ukrainian counterpart Zelensky and several European leaders, that the anticipated meeting between Putin and Zelensky will take place "at a location to be determined later," after a phone call he had with the Russian president.

Trump explained that this step came after a "very good" meeting he had with Zelensky, followed by an expanded meeting with prominent European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Trump noted that the meetings detailed the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine, which he said would be provided in coordination between European countries and the United States, pointing out that Washington would support a security presence "similar to NATO" without committing to deploying U.S. troops on the ground.

Trump confirmed that his Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will take responsibility for preparing for the meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian sides, as part of intensive U.S. efforts to push towards a political settlement.

For his part, Ukrainian President Zelensky described his bilateral meeting with Trump in the Oval Office as "very good and constructive," adding that he discussed with the U.S. president "very sensitive points," emphasizing that "Ukraine's security heavily relies on U.S. support, alongside Europe."

During his meeting with European leaders at the White House, Zelensky pointed out that "the United States sending strong signals and its readiness to provide security guarantees is crucial," stressing that this step effectively opens the door to ending the war that has been ongoing for more than three years.

Zelensky also emphasized the importance of humanitarian issues, foremost among them the exchange of prisoners and the recovery of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, noting that these files will be part of future negotiations.

In conclusion, Trump said: "In a week or two, we will know whether we are on the brink of a real solution or whether the horrific fighting will continue," expressing hope that the anticipated meeting between Putin and Zelensky will be a decisive step towards peace.