Putin and Zelensky expected to meet within two weeks, says German Chancellor

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are expected to hold a face-to-face meeting within the next two weeks, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s direct intervention.

Speaking to reporters, Merz said the breakthrough came after Trump phoned Putin during a meeting in Washington with a delegation of European leaders and Zelensky. “During a break in the meeting, the American president spoke with the Russian president on the phone and agreed that there would be a meeting between the Russian president and the Ukrainian president within the next two weeks,” he explained.

Merz emphasised that the location for the summit is yet to be determined. He cautioned, however, that uncertainty remains about Putin’s willingness to attend. “We don't know whether the Russian president will have the courage to attend such a summit. Therefore, persuasion is needed,” he said.

According to Merz, Trump also agreed to extend an invitation for a follow-up three-way summit involving himself, Putin, and Zelensky to launch broader negotiations. He added that Trump was “impressed that the Europeans had come with a unified front” and that discussions will now shift to concrete plans for providing Ukraine with security guarantees.

“It is absolutely clear that the whole of Europe should participate,” Merz stated, commending Trump’s announcement that the United States is ready to support European efforts as well.