A Summit of Substance? Zelenskyy to Prioritize Territory in Putin Talks

If a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy materializes, it is poised to be one of substance, not just ceremony. President Zelenskyy has made it clear he will prioritize the critical issue of territory in any direct talks with the Russian leader.
“The question of territory is a question that we will leave between me and Putin,” Zelenskyy announced, signaling his intention to dive straight into the most contentious aspect of the conflict. This focus ensures that the meeting, if it happens, will address the root causes of the war.
The United States is working to make this substantive meeting a reality. The White House said it secured Putin’s agreement for a summit within two weeks during a call between President Trump and Putin. However, this timeline is being treated with caution by Moscow, which has stressed the need for thorough preparation.
While the two leaders are set to tackle territory, the issue of security guarantees is being handled on a separate diplomatic track. Ukraine is in discussions with its international partners, including NATO, to build a framework for its long-term safety. The U.S. has indicated its potential contribution could include air support, but not ground forces.