As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global alliances, a new question is emerging in diplomatic circles: Will Russian President Vladimir Putin agree to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy?
The Kremlin has signaled a willingness for a future meeting between Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, especially if Trump returns to the White House in 2025. Moscow views Trump as more favorable to Russian interests than President Joe Biden, particularly due to Trump’s past criticisms of NATO and U.S. involvement in Ukraine.
However, when it comes to Zelenskyy, there’s no indication from Moscow of any plans for direct talks. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, diplomatic channels between Kyiv and Moscow have been effectively severed. While Zelenskyy has expressed conditional openness to dialogue, he has firmly stated that peace talks would only begin after the full withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory—a condition the Kremlin has consistently rejected.
Putin, meanwhile, maintains that Russia is open to negotiations but under its own terms, which include recognition of annexed Ukrainian territories as part of Russia. These demands remain unacceptable to Kyiv and its Western allies.
Analysts suggest that a Trump-Putin meeting could reshape U.S. policy on Ukraine and potentially pressure Zelenskyy into a less favorable negotiating position. Others warn that any sidelining of Ukraine in such high-level discussions risks legitimizing Russia’s territorial ambitions.
As the war drags on and global elections approach, whether or not Putin engages directly with Zelenskyy will become a defining question—not only for Ukraine’s future, but for the entire post-Cold War order.
