Hopes for peace talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky faded on Tuesday after the Kremlin downplayed the idea of a summit.
Putin told Donald Trump he was open to direct talks, but Russia’s foreign minister said such a meeting would need slow, expert-level preparation. A Russian diplomat also warned there should be no talks “just for show.” Reports that Putin wanted Zelensky to visit Moscow were quickly rejected by Kyiv.
Trump, who met both leaders last week, admitted the war is “hard to solve” and suggested Putin might not want peace. He also said the US could provide air support if Europeans sent troops, though he ruled out sending American soldiers.
European leaders remain doubtful. France’s Emmanuel Macron called Putin “a predator,” and Finland’s president said he could not be trusted. NATO and UK officials are also holding meetings this week on stronger support for Ukraine.
The last time Putin and Zelensky met was in 2019. With Russia demanding political changes and Ukraine refusing, a breakthrough still looks unlikely.
