Zelensky on talks with Trump: We are preparing meeting of all teams, platform for negotiations

The head of state said this at a briefing on Monday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

“I had two calls with President Trump today in two different formats. In the first call, we discussed very important issues, including a ceasefire,” Zelensky said.

He added that the conversation also touched on the U.S. readiness to take more serious sanctions measures, which could be implemented if Russia refuses to support the idea of a ceasefire and shows no intention of ending the war.

“Thirdly, I asked Trump, before his conversation with Putin, not to make decisions about Ukraine without us. These are matters of principle and of great importance to us,” Zelensky said.

He noted that they agreed to speak again after Trump’s call with Putin.

“Just now we had a rather lengthy conversation — over an hour — in a different format, during which I and President Trump were joined by other colleagues: President Emmanuel Macron of France, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, President Alexander Stubb of Finland, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen,” he said.

According to Zelensky, the conversation was long and varied in nature.

“My understanding is that President Trump sees direct talks between Ukraine and Russia as the most important thing. That is his position, and he clearly demonstrated it. In essence, he believes that it is Russia that should present clear signals — how they see a possible ceasefire and the next steps, their vision of the process. In turn, I asked Trump that, if Ukraine does not accept the Russian vision, we would like to have the opportunity to discuss it. And for the United States to view such a scenario as Russia’s unwillingness to end the war — if their proposals turn out to be unacceptable or problematic. But for now, these are general matters,” Zelensky said.

He said that a meeting of all negotiating teams is currently being considered.

“We want this meeting to take place at a high level — the U.S., Ukraine, Russia, European partners, including the countries I’ve already mentioned, as well as the United Kingdom,” he said.

According to Zelensky, such a meeting could take place in Turkey, the Vatican, or Switzerland:

“The question is who can organize a meeting that would lead to a concrete result. I think we will get an answer soon,” he said.

“I am currently also considering the Vatican as a possible venue and analyzing all options. I believe it could truly be a favorable platform. Of course, I’m not comparing it directly with Istanbul, Turkey, or perhaps with an option our Swiss partners might offer. Still, I sincerely believe that Pope Leo XIV could provide us with real support. This is a very important signal I received during our bilateral meeting — a meeting that turned out to be truly productive,” Zelensky said.

Zelensky stated earlier that Ukraine and Russia might sign a memorandum, which would be followed by an agreement to end the full-scale war. The memorandum is expected to address a ceasefire.