Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has demonstrated openness to any meeting formats with leaders of Russia and the United States, emphasizing his readiness to discuss issues at the highest level and in options convenient for everyone
In a recent statement during a press conference, he highlighted that the Ukrainian side is open to various formats of meetings with Presidents of the USA and Russia. "We are prepared to meet with leaders in any format. This is known to both the American and Russian sides," he underscored. According to him, Ukraine has no principled objections to negotiations involving both Trump and Putin simultaneously or in sequential formats: "We are open to a meeting with Trump – Putin – Zelensky, possibly in the format of Trump – Putin – Zelensky, or in a trilateral format. In particular, if Putin considers bilateral negotiations inconvenient or unnecessary, or if everyone desires a tripartite discussion — I don't mind. I am ready for any scenario." The politician also revealed that the Ukrainian side is considering several potential venues for future negotiations with Russia and the USA. Besides Istanbul, where previous meetings took place, Switzerland and the Vatican are currently among the possible locations. "The Turkish side is aware that we are discussing the possibility of meeting in several places, and preparations for negotiations with these countries are already underway," Zelensky emphasized. He added that the support of the Vatican is stronger than that of Russia: "The Vatican generally backs our initiatives, whereas, judging by circumstances and media reports, the Russian side does not support these ideas." In addition to diplomatic platforms, the President also stressed the importance of involving European representatives in the negotiation process. "I believe it is very important that at certain stages of negotiations, representatives of the European Union are present. For example, when it comes to security guarantees, I would like Europe to be an active participant in these discussions. This concerns the security guarantees that European countries have consistently declared, supporting Ukraine on the diplomatic front — both financially and militarily," Zelensky said. According to him, military support remains a key element of security assurances for Ukraine. "Of course, the participation of Europeans in certain formats — at the leadership, mediation, or representative levels — remains important. It depends on the agenda and current issues, and we are prepared for any scenario, depending on circumstances and necessity," the head of state summarized. The scope of diplomatic efforts is gradually narrowing, but active discussions continue on the political front regarding future negotiation formats. Recently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed the possibility of approaching Turkey again to organize a second round of talks with Kyiv. At the same time, official Moscow categorically refuses to consider the Holy See as a platform for negotiations with Ukraine, citing existing European Union sanctions. Overall, the Ukrainian leader demonstrates a willingness for constructive dialogue in any format, emphasizing that such openness influences the search for long-term paths to peace and regional stability. However, the issue of involving international mediators — particularly European and virtual ones — and guarantees remains at the center of diplomatic games and negotiations ongoing in the corridors of global politics.