Zelensky names countries where he is ready to meet Putin

Tengrinews.kz – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is ready to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Europe to discuss a peace settlement, DW reports.

Zelensky listed Austria, Switzerland, or Turkey as potential venues. He ruled out Moscow as a possible location.

“We believe it’s fair — and Europeans have said the same — that the meeting should take place in neutral Europe. Switzerland, Austria — we agree. Turkey? Turkey for us is a NATO country and part of Europe. We are not against it,” Zelensky said.

He added that Budapest is not suitable since Hungary has not supported Ukraine during the war and opposes its EU membership.

Timing of the talks

Zelensky noted that a meeting could take place if security guarantees are clarified within the next 7–10 days, paving the way for a trilateral format.

“President Trump suggested a slightly different logic: a trilateral meeting through a bilateral one. I immediately responded that we are ready for a bilateral meeting,” he said.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump earlier mentioned August 22 as a possible date for a summit, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested talks could happen within two weeks. Moscow has not yet confirmed readiness or provided dates.

Zelensky also announced plans for the mass production of Ukraine’s Flamingo missile, describing it as the country’s most successful development so far.

“By December we will have more of them. By late December or in January–February, mass production should begin,” he said, without disclosing technical details.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that during a recent call with Trump, Putin indicated he was ready to meet Zelensky in the coming weeks.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stated that Putin had agreed to a meeting. According to him, the proposal came from Trump, and Washington is now working with both sides to arrange it.

The White House also released a photo showing Trump on the phone with Putin, taken the same day he met in Washington with Zelensky and European leaders.