Ukraine has called for a Trump Zelensky meeting to take place in the US as soon as possible this month, signalling an urgent push to advance peace negotiations while heavy fighting continues on multiple fronts. Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine’s national security council, said both countries have reached a shared understanding of the core elements of a proposed peace framework after talks in Geneva.
Kyiv urges swift action on Trump Zelensky meeting
Umerov said Ukrainian and US negotiators hope to finalise remaining details during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Washington, which they want arranged “at the earliest suitable date”. A US official confirmed that Ukraine has agreed to the structure of a peace deal, although several smaller issues still require clarification.
Despite cautious optimism, major obstacles remain. The gap between what Russia demands and what Ukraine considers acceptable is still vast. Kyiv and European leaders rejected an earlier version of the peace plan, arguing that it gave Moscow too many concessions. Revised proposals drafted by France, Germany and the UK removed recognition of Russian-controlled territories and strengthened Ukraine’s military future, including open pathways to join Nato.
International negotiations intensify as Trump Zelensky meeting is considered
The US will also meet Russian representatives in Abu Dhabi to continue discussions, although the Kremlin has dismissed European-backed amendments as unproductive. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow has not even received the updated draft and insists any plan must follow the tone of Trump and Vladimir Putin’s earlier meeting in Alaska.
At the same time, European allies are holding a virtual “coalition of the willing” meeting to coordinate their stance. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the session aims to ensure unity as the talks move forward.
Peace discussions overshadowed by escalating strikes
Even as diplomatic activity accelerates, Russia and Ukraine exchanged some of the most intense overnight attacks in weeks. Kyiv faced multiple missile and drone assaults, leaving high-rise buildings damaged and residents evacuated. Ukrainian officials reported at least six deaths, while Russia said three people were killed in Ukrainian strikes on the Rostov region. Nato jets intercepted drones near Romania, and Moldova detected several Russian drones crossing its airspace.
Zelensky said more than 22 missiles and over 460 drones were launched at Ukraine overnight, targeting energy facilities and urban centres. Russian regions also reported large-scale air attacks, describing them as among the heaviest seen recently.
As pressure builds, Ukraine hopes the evolving peace framework and a Trump Zelensky meeting could help bring an end to a war that has left thousands dead, millions displaced, and Europe’s security landscape transformed.
