Translated with AI
US President Donald Trump announced the start of preparations for direct talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He made the announcement following talks at the White House with Zelenskyy and European leaders.
"Today's meeting was very productive. We are beginning preparations for a meeting between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine. A trilateral summit with my participation is planned after that," Trump said at a press conference in the Oval Office.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted that negotiations between Putin and Zelenskyy should take place within the next two weeks. He also expressed hope that a ceasefire agreement would be reached by then.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the issue of possible territorial concessions to Ukraine was not raised at the White House. "No, it was not discussed at all. We are far from that," the French leader noted. He emphasized that any peace agreement cannot limit the size and combat readiness of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
According to Macron, Western leaders and the United States agree on the need to maintain a strong Ukrainian army "capable of repelling any aggression." The French President also noted that if Russia refuses peace talks, the EU and the United States are prepared to consider tightening sanctions against Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for his part, declared his country's readiness for elections after the conflict ends. He also confirmed his readiness to meet personally with Vladimir Putin.
The White House talks followed the meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska on August 15, after which the American leader announced his intention to advance dialogue between Russia and Ukraine with the participation of the United States and European partners.
