Zelenskyy reveals details of talks with Trump before and after Putin call

President  Zelenskyy briefed reporters after his two calls with Trump.

He said that during the second call — held after Trump's talk with Putin — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb also joined the conversation.

Zelenskyy added that their teams, together with those from the United States, Russia, and several European countries, are planning a high‑level meeting that could take place in Turkey, the Vatican, or Switzerland.

In the first call with Trump, Zelenskyy discussed a ceasefire and said the United States was ready to sanction Russia if it broke the truce.

Zelenskyy also made it clear that Ukraine will not withdraw its troops from its own territory or accept Kremlin ultimatums.

“It is my constitutional duty, and it is the duty of our military,” he said. “If Russia demands that we pull back from our own land, it means it doesn’t want peace or an end to the war — because it knows that will never happen.”

He called this a decisive moment, saying the world must now show whether its leaders are truly able to end the war and secure lasting peace.

Zelenskyy told Trump that Ukraine is ready for a full and unconditional ceasefire, but stressed that the offer should not be diluted:

“If the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger sanctions. Pressure on Russia will push it toward real peace – this is obvious to everyone around the world.”

Zelenskyy stressed the importance of confirming Russia’s genuine willingness to engage in meaningful negotiations.

He said he and European leaders discussed possible next steps, including meetings between negotiators and a fair review of each side’s proposals. Zelenskyy emphasized that every proposal deserves an honest evaluation — which is why both U.S. and European representatives must be involved at a proper level in the talks.

“It is crucial for all of us that the United States does not distance itself from the talks and the pursuit of peace,” he said.”Because the only one who benefits from that is Putin. I thank everyone who supports this approach.”

“If Russia refuses to stop the killings, refuses to release prisoners of war and hostages, if Putin puts forward unrealistic demands, this will mean that Russia continues to drag out the war, and deserves that Europe, America, and the world act accordingly, including with further sanctions. Russia must end the war it started, and it can begin doing so any day. Ukraine has always been ready for peace,” the president concluded.