Ukraine pushes for Zelensky-Putin summit as US-led peace efforts stall
Primary region Europe
Tags Diplomacy
Regions Europe
Ukraine is pushing for face-to-face talks between President Zelensky and President Putin to revive stalled US-led peace negotiations. Zelensky accepted Trump's ceasefire demand, but Putin refused, leaving talks deadlocked over contested Ukrainian territories. Ukraine has asked Turkey to help facilitate top-level talks and reached out to other capitals as potential hosts. UK Prime Minister Starmer met Zelensky on May 3 ahead of the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, with both leaders agreeing on the importance of maintaining sanctions to force Russia to the negotiating table. The negotiations stalled after their host, the UAE, was hit by Iranian airstrikes. Brutal fighting continues along an 800-mile front with heavy casualties on both sides.
Strategic interpretation
The push for a Zelensky-Putin summit reflects Kyiv's growing frustration with the pace of US-led diplomacy and the Trump administration's focus on the Iran conflict. Putin's refusal to meet suggests Russia believes time favors its position as Western attention diverts to the Middle East. The UK and European efforts to maintain sanctions pressure signal that Europe is prepared to sustain support for Ukraine even if US engagement wanes.