Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky could participate in this week’s US-Russia summit in Alaska, America’s ambassador to Nato suggested.
Asked whether Zelensky could meet US president Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, ambassador Matthew Whitaker said, “Yes, I certainly think it’s possible.
“The decision to invite Zelensky was entirely Trump’s, Whitaker said, adding that “if he thinks that is the best scenario to invite Zelensky, then he will do that”.
US vice president JD Vance earlier said Putin and Zelensky would be “forced” to meet by Trump.
However, he dismissed calls from European leaders to allow the Ukrainian president to attend the summit meeting on Friday, saying it would not be “productive” at this point.
European leaders, including Keir Starmer, jointly welcomed the move towards peace on Saturday but warned that any negotiations should see Ukraine represented and they must not permit any land to be ceded to Russia.
The statement came after Trump suggested the deal might involve “some swapping of territories”, an idea Zelensky was quick to reject.
Two killed in Ukrainian drone attack on Tula and Moscow
At least two people died in the Tula region as a result of a Ukrainian drone attack that also targeted Moscow and other regions, Russia’s defence ministry and regional officials said late last night.
Two people were also hospitalised following the attack on Tula , governor Dmitry Milyaev said.
The defence ministry said its air defence units destroyed 27 Ukrainian drones within a span of three hours late on Sunday, including 11 over the Tula region, one over the Moscow region and the rest over four other regions in Russia’s south and west.
Mapped: What parts of Ukraine does Russia control as Trump suggests land swap for peace?
The White House is reportedly trying to sway European leaders to accept an agreement that would include Russia taking the entire Donbas region in eastern Ukraine and keeping Crimea. In exchange, it would give up the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, areas which Russia is partially occupying, CBS reported.
Tom Watling and Holly Bancroft report:
Vance says US is ‘done with funding Ukraine war’ ahead of Trump-Putin talks
On Saturday, European leaders including Sir Keir Starmer jointly welcomed the meeting, which is planned for Friday in Alaska. However, they warned that any talks should see Ukraine represented and not permit any land to be ceded to Russia.
Their statement came after Mr Trump admitted the deal may involve “some swapping of territories” – a suggestion Mr Zelensky strongly rejected.
US envoy suggests possible Zelensky role in Trump-Putin Alaska meeting
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky could participate in this week’s US-Russia summit in Alaska, America’s ambassador to Nato suggested.
Asked whether Zelensky could meet US president Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, ambassador Matthew Whitaker said, “Yes, I certainly think it’s possible.”
“Certainly, there can’t be a deal that everybody that’s involved in it doesn’t agree to. And, I mean, obviously, it’s a high priority to get this war to end,” the ambassador said.
“The decision to invite Zelensky was entirely Trump’s, Whitaker said, adding that “if he thinks that is the best scenario to invite Zelensky, then he will do that”.
