Zelensky Proposes Meeting with Putin as London Tightens Sanctions on Russia

SadaNews - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed yesterday, Monday, that he proposed holding a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the United States, during a phone call he made with U.S. President Donald Trump.

In a video address published via X platform, Zelensky said, "I discussed with President Trump yesterday the possibility of organizing such a meeting in the United States, in a format that would be difficult for Putin to refuse," adding, "We will see where things lead."

In this context, a source in the Ukrainian presidency explained to journalists that the Ukrainian proposal was " communicated some time ago through various channels, by way of intermediaries, diplomats, and intelligence agencies," noting at the same time that the Russian side "has not provided any clear response."

This Ukrainian move comes at a time when Putin has consistently rejected calls for a meeting, previously indicating earlier this month that he does not see "any point" in meeting with Zelensky before a peace agreement is reached.

Zelensky also stated earlier that Putin ignored an invitation to meet him at the G7 summit currently taking place in France.

London Enhances Support and Tightens Sanctions

In a related context, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the United Kingdom would provide Ukraine with enriched uranium for its nuclear plants, coinciding with the imposition of a new package of sanctions on Russia, ahead of a session dedicated to the conflict in Ukraine as part of the G7 summit proceedings today, Tuesday.

A statement from the British government noted that export financing worth 210 million pounds (about 281 million dollars) would enable the British company "Uranico" to supply the Ukrainian company "Energoatom" with enriched uranium.

Starmer reaffirmed London’s condemnation of what he described as "Russian barbaric strikes," emphasizing his country's determination to "suffocate the resources funding Putin’s war and provide energy to Ukraine for the coming winters."

This escalation in Western positions comes ahead of President Zelensky's arrival on Tuesday at the G7 summit in the French city of Évian, to participate in a working meeting discussing ways to achieve peace and security in Ukraine and Europe.

In this regard, French President Emmanuel Macron aims to rally greater American support, stating to TF1 channel, "What I essentially want is for Americans to say: We are with you. We will continue to help Ukraine, and we will increase pressure on Russia."

These developments come amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war, which has entered its fifth year, sparked in February 2022, resulting in the largest geopolitical and security crisis in Europe since World War II. The ongoing military operations have led to widespread humanitarian and economic repercussions globally, amid a stalemate in diplomatic resolution paths.

Source: Agencies