Zelensky Proposes "Three-Way Summit with Putin and Trump"... Unveils Proposal for Ending the War

Kremlin "Possibility Open, But Specific Agreement Needed"

NATO Invitation Request... "Excluding Ukraine is a Victory for Putin"

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, has officially proposed a three-way summit with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, and Donald Trump, the former President of the United States. The purpose is to create a diplomatic breakthrough to end the war.

According to foreign media such as AFP, President Zelensky stated on the 28th (local time), "If Putin feels uncomfortable with a bilateral meeting or if everyone wants a three-way meeting, I don't mind," and "If a meeting with Trump and Putin is possible, I am ready to negotiate." Zelensky had previously proposed a three-way summit to the two leaders during the Ukraine-Russia negotiations held in Istanbul, Turkey, on the 16th, but it was canceled.

President Putin remains skeptical, citing that Zelensky's term ended last May and that Ukraine has even enacted a law prohibiting direct negotiations with the president. Russia has designated Belarus as an additional negotiation location, but Zelensky considers Turkey, Switzerland, and the Vatican as more realistic locations. Malta and African countries are also reportedly willing to mediate.

Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, stated, "A three-way meeting is possible, but specific delegation-level discussions must precede it." Istanbul, Turkey, is also being considered as a candidate for the next meeting location.

Zelensky held a joint press conference with Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, Germany, on this day, requesting an invitation to the upcoming North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit next month. He said, "If Ukraine is not invited, it could be seen as a victory for Putin over NATO."

Currently, NATO has invited Ukraine to its summit every year since the war broke out in February 2022, but there are observations that this year's invitation is delayed due to President Trump's foreign policy stance.

During the press conference, defense cooperation with Germany was also discussed. Chancellor Merz did not state a position on the direct support of the German-made long-range missile 'Taurus,' which Ukraine has long requested, but announced that the defense ministries of both countries are expected to sign a letter of intent for joint development of long-range weapons.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Merz emphasized that he would "use all means to prevent" the reactivation of the Russian natural gas pipeline 'Nord Stream,' which is mentioned as part of the peace negotiations. The Kremlin criticized this, saying, "Germany and France are provoking the war and forcing Ukraine to continue fighting," and accused them of engaging in a provocation competition.

Reporter Lee So-hyun y2eonlee@hankyung.com