Hope Fades for Putin-Zelensky Talks as Tensions Persist

WASHINGTON: Hopes for direct peace talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky diminished on Tuesday, despite renewed calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

While Trump revealed earlier this week that Putin had expressed openness to dialogue with Kyiv, the Kremlin swiftly downplayed the likelihood of an immediate summit. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized that any potential meeting would require “gradual” preparations through expert-level negotiations, rather than a rushed political encounter.

Russia’s Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy echoed the cautious tone, telling the BBC that although no party had outright rejected the possibility of talks, “a meeting for the sake of a meeting” would be counterproductive.

Reports emerged suggesting Putin proposed that Zelensky travel to Moscow for discussions — an offer Kyiv views as unrealistic and politically untenable, especially amid ongoing hostilities.

Trump Pushes Dialogue but Acknowledges Putin’s Hesitancy

Following recent high-profile meetings with Zelensky and European leaders in Washington, and a separate encounter with Putin in Alaska, Trump conceded that achieving a resolution may prove difficult. “We’re going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks,” Trump said. “It’s possible that he doesn’t want to make a deal.”

Once confident he could secure a ceasefire swiftly, Trump has shifted toward advocating a lasting peace settlement. He proposed a scenario in which the U.S. could offer air support if European nations committed ground troops in Ukraine — while ruling out direct American military involvement.

European Leaders Express Doubt

European allies, however, remain skeptical of Putin’s intentions. French President Emmanuel Macron labelled Putin “a predator, and an ogre at our doorstep,” and voiced “great doubt” over the Russian leader’s willingness to pursue genuine peace.

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb also questioned the feasibility of any summit, calling Putin “rarely to be trusted.” Meanwhile, the U.K.’s military chief Admiral Tony Radakin is visiting Washington to discuss a proposed “reassurance force” for Ukraine, ahead of a virtual NATO meeting set for Wednesday.

Road to Peace Remains Murky

The last face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelensky took place in 2019, long before Russia’s full-scale invasion upended Ukraine, destroyed cities, and displaced millions. Moscow continues to challenge the legitimacy of Ukraine’s government and demands political reforms that Kyiv refuses to entertain.

Read more: Zelensky considers talks with Putin following discussion with Trump

As the geopolitical divide deepens, European powers appear more focused on reinforcing Ukraine’s defence posture than on brokering direct talks. With Putin unwilling to compromise and Zelensky firmly committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the path to peace remains uncertain.

Further diplomatic discussions are expected in Washington and across European capitals this week, as global leaders assess how to balance strategic deterrence with renewed calls for dialogue.