Zelensky Proposes Putin Meeting at G7 Summit to Advance Ukraine Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has renewed efforts to advance peace negotiations with Russia, revealing that he offered to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during the G7 summit in France or in the United States to discuss ending the ongoing war that has entered its fourth year.

Speaking from a historic monastery in Kyiv that sustained damage during a recent Russian attack, Zelensky said he had communicated Ukraine’s willingness to hold direct talks with Putin during the G7 gathering in Evian-les-Bains. According to the Ukrainian leader, the proposal had the backing of key Western allies, including the United States, France, and other European partners.

Zelensky stated that the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron at the summit would provide a valuable opportunity for leaders to meet collectively and explore diplomatic solutions to the conflict. He added that Russia’s response indicated a continued reluctance to engage in meaningful negotiations.

In a message shared on Telegram, Zelensky disclosed that he had discussed the proposal with Trump during a phone call, suggesting that a meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents could take place in the United States. He argued that such a setting would make it more difficult for Putin to reject the invitation and could potentially open a new path toward peace talks.

A Ukrainian official confirmed that Kyiv informed both Washington and Paris about the proposal and also delivered the invitation directly to Russian representatives. However, Ukraine reportedly received no definitive response from Moscow.

The latest diplomatic push follows an open letter Zelensky sent to Putin earlier this month, proposing face-to-face discussions. Putin publicly dismissed the idea, saying he saw no reason for a meeting and downplayed the impact of Ukraine’s long-range drone operations on Russia’s economy.

The proposal comes amid continued violence. At least 10 people were killed in overnight Russian strikes on Kyiv and Kharkiv. Zelensky criticized Putin for launching the attacks shortly after a phone conversation with Trump, describing the move as cynical.

At the upcoming G7 summit, Zelensky said his primary objective is to secure additional air defense systems for Ukraine and coordinate with Western leaders on strategies to increase pressure on Russia to end the war.