Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a bold new diplomatic initiative, suggesting a three-way peace summit with former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The aim: to halt Russia’s ongoing invasion, now entering its third year.
Speaking to reporters, Zelensky emphasized his openness to “any format” of discussions, including a trilateral meeting with the two global leaders. His statement follows repeated refusals by the Kremlin to engage in direct talks with Kyiv.
“If Putin is not comfortable with a bilateral meeting, or if everyone wants it to be a trilateral meeting, I don’t mind. I am ready for any format,” Zelensky told journalists on Tuesday, with his comments released the following day.
As diplomatic channels continue to falter, Zelensky doubled down on calls for the United States to impose new and severe sanctions on Russia, targeting its vital banking and energy sectors—two pillars of Moscow’s war effort.
“We are waiting for sanctions from the United States of America,” Zelensky stated. “Trump confirmed that if Russia does not stop, sanctions will be imposed. We discussed two main aspects with him – energy and the banking system. Will the US be able to impose sanctions on these two sectors? I would very much like that.”
The proposal for direct engagement comes amid heightened geopolitical friction. Trump has reportedly grown increasingly impatient with both leaders for failing to make progress toward a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Putin recently dismissed a Turkish-hosted meeting with Zelensky, with the Kremlin insisting that no talks would occur without a prior agreement—though no such framework has yet materialized.
Undeterred, Kyiv is ramping up pressure. In a show of resistance, Ukraine launched one of its largest drone offensives to date on Russian territory shortly after Zelensky’s comments. Russia’s defence ministry reported that nearly 300 drones were intercepted overnight, claiming only “minimal damage.” However, these claims remain unverified by independent sources.
Military Buildup and Escalation Fears
On the ground, conditions remain tense. Zelensky has warned of over 50,000 Russian troops amassing near the Sumy region in northeastern Ukraine—an alarming development amid Moscow’s push to establish what Putin has termed a “buffer zone.”
Despite suggestions of peace talks, Ukraine has not received a formal proposal or “memorandum” from Russia outlining potential terms for negotiation. This absence of clarity has sparked concern that the conflict may persist indefinitely.
Adding another layer of complexity, revelations have surfaced that Ukraine was quietly authorized to launch missile strikes into Russian territory as far back as November. Though reports recently surfaced that Trump would lift restrictions on cross-border missile usage, sources now confirm the policy shift occurred months ago under the Biden administration.
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According to Ukrainian military officials speaking to The Mirror, the decision was intentionally kept under wraps to avoid provoking Moscow or drawing wider NATO members into the conflict.
“This is a highly complex and difficult issue as we were told the ban was lifted some time ago,” a Ukrainian source explained. “There was perhaps a concern about escalation, but it seems they now have the understanding of the capability we have of striking deep inside Russian territory.”
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The source added that Ukraine’s successful strike on a drone manufacturing facility in recent days highlighted the strategic value of targeting Russia’s internal war infrastructure.
Meanwhile, European capitals remain on edge. British intelligence is investigating a string of suspicious car fires linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. While some have suggested possible Russian involvement, the Kremlin has strongly denied any connection.
With no clear end in sight, Zelensky’s call for a three-way summit with Trump and Putin reflects a last-ditch effort to force diplomatic momentum, as Ukraine continues both its defensive and offensive strategies on the battlefield.
