Could a Putin-Zelensky Meeting Happen in Two Weeks?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Macron suggests a potential meeting between Putin and Zelensky could occur soon.
- Importance of European leaders in upcoming discussions.
- The meetings may take place in a neutral location.
- Zelensky is open to participating in various formats of dialogue.
- Trump is facilitating peace talks between the two leaders.
Paris, Aug 19 (NationPress) French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday that a potential meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may occur within the next two weeks.
In an interview with the French LCI news channel, Macron noted that Putin, who had a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Monday, indicated his willingness to meet with Zelensky during that period, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
"We have agreed to organize a bilateral meeting between the two Presidents, followed by a trilateral meeting (including Trump), and ultimately a multilateral discussion that must include European leaders," Macron stated.
The French leader emphasized that these discussions should take place in Europe, demonstrating the “collective will” of European nations.
Unlike their previous meeting in 2019 held in France, Macron suggested that the upcoming discussions could be hosted in a “neutral country,” such as Switzerland or Turkey, where prior bilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine have occurred.
Meanwhile, President Zelensky has mentioned that Russia proposed a bilateral meeting followed by a trilateral discussion.
During a news conference after his meeting with Trump at the White House, Zelensky expressed his readiness for “any format” of a meeting with Putin.
He indicated that his participation in the trilateral meeting would depend on the outcome of the initial meeting.
Zelensky emphasized that he does not wish to impose conditions on the meeting, as he believes Putin would present his own terms.
"I firmly believe we should meet and consider the future course towards ending the war," he stated.
Putin informed Trump on Monday that he is open to meeting with Zelensky, according to a source familiar with the conversation.
During a phone call amidst discussions with European leaders in Washington, Putin conveyed his willingness to meet Zelensky, following his meeting with Trump in Alaska.
Trump revealed on Monday that he has initiated arrangements for a peace meeting between Zelensky and Putin, which will be followed by a three-way dialogue involving himself.
"After these meetings, I contacted President Putin to start organizing a meeting, at a yet-to-be-determined location, between President Putin and President Zelensky," he noted after hosting Zelensky and European leaders at the White House.
"After that meeting, we will hold a trilateral discussion with the two Presidents and myself."