Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Russia has indicated a willingness to take “a first step” toward ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Zelenskyy said the message came during a recent call with President Trump, European leaders, and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.
According to Zelenskyy, Witkoff relayed that Moscow was prepared to consider a ceasefire, marking the first such signal since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. “Everyone on the call was encouraged by what seemed to be a shift in Russia’s position,” Zelenskyy said. However, he stressed that Ukraine would never agree to withdraw its forces from the Russian-occupied Donbas region.
“Our territories are illegally occupied,” he stated. “For the Russians, Donbas is a springboard for a future offensive. If we leave Donbas of our own accord or under pressure, we invite a third war.”
Trump-Putin Meeting Set for Alaska
President Trump will hold his first in-person meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin since the outbreak of the war, the White House confirmed. The summit will take place Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, near Anchorage, Alaska.
A senior White House official cited logistical and security considerations in selecting the location during Alaska’s peak tourist season. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the meeting as “a listening exercise” for the president, aimed at gaining “a more firm and better understanding” of how the war could be ended.
Putin is expected to push for Ukrainian withdrawal from all areas of Donbas, parts of which have been under Russian control since 2014 and expanded during the invasion. Ukrainian forces currently hold portions of Donetsk province within the contested region.
Zelensky’s Red Lines Ahead of Negotiations
While expressing cautious optimism over signs of flexibility from Moscow, Zelenskyy drew a firm line regarding Ukraine’s territorial integrity. “Talks about us, without us, will not work,” he said, warning that any arrangement excluding Ukraine from the negotiating table would be unacceptable.
He emphasized that the involvement of European partners was crucial, both for legitimacy and for maintaining security guarantees. “The presence of Europe in one form or another is very important, because ultimately, so far, no one but Europe has provided us with security guarantees,” Zelenskyy remarked.
Zelenskyy further cautioned that the Alaska summit could serve more as a public relations opportunity for Putin than a step toward peace. “I believe that Putin will benefit from this, because what he is seeking is photographs. Ukrainian issues should be discussed by at least three parties,” he said.
Next Steps: Possible Three-Way Summit
President Trump has signaled plans to arrange a follow-up meeting involving himself, Putin, and Zelenskyy, possibly as early as next week. Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said, “The next meeting will be with Zelenskyy and Putin or Zelenskyy and Putin and me.”
Two sources familiar with ongoing talks told CBS News that the U.S. is exploring potential venues for the proposed trilateral meeting. However, Zelenskyy insists that any such gathering must also include European representation, framing their participation as vital to Ukraine’s long-term security.
A virtual meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders is scheduled for Wednesday to discuss coordination ahead of the Alaska summit.
War Enters Its Fourth Year
The Trump-Putin summit will mark a significant moment in the war’s timeline—over three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, following the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the initial occupation of parts of Donbas.
While Russia’s apparent willingness to consider a ceasefire is being cautiously welcomed, Kyiv remains wary of diplomatic maneuvers that could undermine its sovereignty. As Zelenskyy made clear, Ukraine views holding the line in Donbas as critical to preventing future conflict.
Whether the Alaska talks lead to meaningful progress—or merely political theater—will become clearer in the days following the historic meeting.
