Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he could meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but only after his allies agreed on security guarantees for Ukraine that would deter future Russian attacks once the fighting stops.
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In comments released on Thursday, he also warned both sides were preparing for further fighting, with Russia building up troops on the southern front line and Ukraine test-launching a new long-range cruise missile.
US President Donald Trump is seeking to end Russia’s three-and-a-half-year invasion of Ukraine with a flurry of talks with Zelensky and Putin, upending a years-long Western policy of isolating the Russian leader.
“We want to have an understanding of the security guarantees architecture within seven to 10 days,” Zelensky said, in comments to reporters released for publication on Thursday.
“We need to understand which country will be ready to do what at each specific moment,” he said. A group of allies led by Britain and France are putting together a military coalition to support the guarantees.
Vance tells Europe to lead on Ukraine security
Vance tells Europe to lead on Ukraine security
Once an outline of the security guarantees is agreed, Trump would like to see a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelensky, the Ukrainian leader said.