US and Ukraine leaders discuss conditions for Russia’s return to negotiations
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed during their latest conversations how to bring Russia to the negotiating table, according to a well-informed source within the government
"Trump does not really believe that anything can be achieved through words alone right now. And when President Zelenskyy applies pressure on Russia through all these actions — long-range strikes, active operations on the front line, etc. — it brings Russia to a point where diplomacy becomes more likely," the source stressed.
According to him, these issues were discussed in several conversations between Zelenskyy and Trump, as well as during their talks involving French President Emmanuel Macron.
Zelenskyy’s meeting with Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump held several conversations on the sidelines of the G7 summit, which took place in France from June 15–17.
Following the meeting, the Ukrainian head of state said that Trump had given "positive signals" regarding strengthening Ukraine’s air defense.
Zelenskyy later clarified that the possibility of granting Ukraine licenses to produce Patriot missiles was "for the first time viewed positively by the American side."
According to him, only Trump’s approval is needed for Ukraine to begin producing such missiles.
At the same time, The Kyiv Independent, citing its own sources, reported that the US leader allegedly advised the Ukrainian president during such meetings to act "more boldly" in the war against Russia.
