Diplomatic rift emerges over venue for potential Trump–Zelenskyy–Putin peace summit

European Union diplomats remain divided over the location of a potential high-stakes trilateral summit between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Washington has requested that its European allies be prepared to facilitate negotiations as early as this week, with discussions currently centered around possible European venues, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The meeting, if confirmed, could mark a significant step in efforts to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and chart a path toward diplomatic resolution.

During a recent videoconference of the “coalition of the willing,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed Rome—specifically the Vatican—as a potential host city. French President Emmanuel Macron, however, has advocated for Geneva, citing its longstanding tradition of hosting major diplomatic engagements.

Both Zelenskyy and Trump are inclined toward the Vatican as a neutral and symbolic location for the talks. Conversely, President Putin reportedly favors Geneva, further complicating the selection process.

In response to the evolving diplomatic discourse, the foreign ministries of both Italy and Switzerland have formally expressed their willingness to host the summit. Meanwhile, EU officials are exploring additional venue options, including Budapest and Helsinki, should consensus on the preferred location remain elusive.

The proposed summit, while still under negotiation, reflects mounting international pressure to initiate direct dialogue among the key actors involved in the war in Ukraine. The final choice of venue, though seemingly procedural, may carry substantial geopolitical symbolism and impact the tone and outcome of the talks.

By Vafa Guliyeva