Zelenskyy Urges Putin to Accept Direct Talks, Says Trump-Backed Meeting Could Be Next Step Toward Peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has renewed calls for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the need for high-level talks to achieve a meaningful end to the ongoing war.

We offered Putin to meet anywhere where real decisions to end the war could be made. He does not want it.

We discussed with the U.S. and France the possibility of a meeting with Russia around the G7, with all democratic nations represented. Putin does not want it.

Yesterday,… pic.twitter.com/6NNQH8QLW8

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 15, 2026

In a statement shared on social media, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had offered Putin the opportunity to meet "anywhere where real decisions to end the war could be made," but claimed the Russian leader was unwilling to participate.

Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine had discussed with the United States and France the possibility of organizing a meeting with Russia around the G7 Summit, with representatives from democratic nations involved. According to the Ukrainian president, Moscow showed little interest in the proposal.

The Ukrainian leader also disclosed that he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump about the possibility of arranging a meeting in the United States. Zelenskyy suggested that such a format would make it more difficult for Putin to reject direct engagement, particularly in the presence of President Trump.

"We will see what comes of it. If Russia refuses this chance as well, additional pressure will be needed," Zelenskyy stated.

The comments come as diplomatic efforts continue to seek a pathway toward ending the conflict, which has entered another critical phase amid ongoing military operations and international pressure for a negotiated settlement.

While no official response from the Kremlin has been announced regarding the latest proposal, Zelenskyy's remarks underline Kyiv's continued push for direct dialogue backed by major international partners.