Trump welcomes possible Zelenskyy-Putin meeting

U.S. President Donald Trump on June 4 welcomed the prospect of direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders would be beneficial as efforts to end the war in Ukraine continue.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump suggested that Washington had played a role in encouraging dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

“I’m glad that they’re maybe talking about meeting. I think we had a lot to do with it,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “I think it would be great if they met. They should – get it done.”

Trump also said that any potential agreement would require concessions from both sides, though he did not elaborate on what those compromises might involve.

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

The remarks came in response to a public letter sent by Zelenskyy to Putin, calling for direct negotiations. The letter is the first that Zelenskyy has publicly addressed to the Russian leader since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In the message, Zelenskyy combined a proposal for talks with sharp criticism of Putin’s 26 years in power. He also acknowledged changing U.S. priorities, arguing that Ukraine should not simply wait for the Trump administration to refocus on efforts to end the war while Washington remains heavily engaged with the conflict involving Iran.

“I am proposing a meeting,” Zelenskyy wrote.

Responding to the proposal, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Putin had been informed of the letter but had not yet reviewed its contents in detail. Peskov reiterated Moscow’s position that Zelenskyy could travel to the Russian capital for discussions.

“Zelenskyy could come to Moscow if he wanted talks,” Peskov said.

By Sabina Mammadli