Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he is willing to discuss a peace settlement with former U.S. President Donald Trump, stating he would talk with any American leader who could help end the war. Zelenskyy framed the offer as a pragmatic step toward finding a diplomatic resolution while making clear that any agreement must safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He emphasized that meaningful peace would require firm security guarantees, the withdrawal of Russian forces from occupied Ukrainian territory, and accountability for wartime abuses. Zelenskyy also stressed that negotiations should not come at the expense of Ukraine’s core demands and the rights of its people.
The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic activity and debate among Western allies about how best to support Ukraine — balancing military aid, economic pressure on Russia, and efforts to create a framework for a durable settlement. U.S. policy debates over future assistance and the role of former and current U.S. officials in diplomacy have heightened attention on whether American political figures outside the administration could influence talks.
Analysts say Zelenskyy’s openness to engage with different interlocutors reflects a willingness to explore all avenues for peace, but substantial obstacles remain: Moscow’s war aims, battlefield dynamics, and political divisions among potential mediators. Any progress will depend on whether parties can agree on concrete terms that restore Ukraine’s control over its territory and provide credible, enforceable security arrangements.
