Putin rejects request to meet Zelensky

 

Ukraine Proposes Four-Way Peace Summit Amid Stalemate With Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a four-way peace summit involving Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and Turkey in an attempt to move forward with stalled efforts to end the ongoing war. However, the Kremlin has signaled skepticism about the likelihood of such a summit occurring in the near future.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said it was “unlikely” that any meeting could be arranged before the end of August, emphasizing that a summit should only take place to finalize an already negotiated peace deal. “Is it possible to complete such a complex process in 30 days? Obviously, it is unlikely,” he added.

Zelensky has pushed for high-level talks, stating earlier this week that negotiations “probably begin with a meeting of leaders.” He implied that this step was crucial, particularly when dealing with the Russian side. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly remains uninterested in a direct meeting unless concrete outcomes are already outlined.

Military analysts report that Ukraine's defense of Pokrovsk—a critical logistics hub in Donetsk—is under increasing strain as Russian forces advance. Despite mounting pressure, Moscow has rejected repeated calls from Ukraine and the U.S. for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, which could serve as a foundation for broader talks.

According to reports, Russia’s negotiation stance continues to include demands that Ukraine considers unacceptable—such as withdrawal from four partially occupied regions. These demands have stalled previous rounds of direct talks.

Former President Donald Trump, who has taken a prominent role in calling for an end to the war, stated on Friday that a Zelensky-Putin summit was “three months overdue.” He also suggested that new U.S. tariffs on Russia and its allies over fossil fuel trade could be imposed sooner than the previously announced 50-day timeline.

In the meantime, President Zelensky is working to prepare Ukraine for a prolonged conflict. He is requesting European partners to support increased military wages and has appealed for two additional U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems—beyond the five already agreed upon by the U.S. and Germany.

However, not all allies appear willing to contribute further. According to The Telegraph, the UK has opted out of participating in logistics or financing, despite a broader agreement facilitated by the Trump administration.