On Wednesday, August 13, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to pursue a three-way meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, following his upcoming summit with Putin in Alaska. The move is part of Trump’s broader effort to end the three-year war in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters after what he called a “very good” call with European leaders—including Zelensky—Trump revealed his intention for a rapid follow-up meeting, depending on the outcome of his initial talks with Putin, scheduled for Friday in Anchorage.
“If the first one goes okay, we’ll have a quick second one,” Trump said. “I’d like to do it almost immediately — a meeting between President Putin, President Zelensky, and myself, if they’re willing.”
The high-stakes diplomacy comes as Trump faces mounting pressure to deliver on his campaign promise to end the war. Zelensky, along with European leaders, has urged Trump to push for an immediate ceasefire. However, concerns are growing that Trump’s negotiations with Putin—without Zelensky present—could lead to concessions detrimental to Ukraine.
Trump cautioned that the three-way meeting would only proceed if Putin demonstrated good faith in the initial talks. “If I feel that it’s not appropriate because I didn’t get the answers we need, then we are not going to have a second meeting,” he warned.
The announcement came as Russian forces made their largest territorial gain in Ukraine in over a year, capturing approximately 110 square kilometers in a single day, according to AFP analysis of battlefield data.
Earlier Wednesday, Zelensky joined German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, NATO and EU officials, and other European leaders in a joint call with Trump. The collective message was clear: secure a ceasefire. Trump reportedly warned Moscow of “severe consequences” should it continue its aggression.
Despite this unified front, Zelensky remained skeptical of Russia’s intentions. “I have told my colleagues — the U.S. president and our European friends — that Putin definitely does not want peace,” he said.
Trump described Friday’s meeting as a preliminary “feel-out” discussion, but hinted at possible land negotiations in future talks. Chancellor Merz acknowledged Ukraine’s willingness to discuss territorial issues but stressed that recognition of Russian-occupied areas would not be on the table.
Meanwhile, fighting in eastern Ukraine continues to intensify. Ukrainian soldiers stationed near the front line in Kramatorsk expressed deep pessimism.
“Putin is massing an army, he is stockpiling weapons, he is pulling the wool over our eyes,” said Artem, a 30-year-old serviceman. “This war will likely continue for a long time.”
