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Ukraine Proposes Leader-Level Talks With Putin at the End of June

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Maryna_kulakova
Maryna Kulakova
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Ukraine Proposes Leader-Level Talks With Putin at the End of June
Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov speaks to the media after the second round of Ukraine-Russia peace talks at the Ciragan Palace on June 2, 2025 at in Istanbul, Turkey. (Source: Getty Images)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, according to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who led Ukraine’s delegation at the recent peace talks in Istanbul.

Umerov said Ukraine has proposed specific dates—between June 20 and 30—for a potential leaders’ summit, which could also involve US President Donald Trump.

“All key issues between Ukraine and Russia can only be resolved at the level of heads of state,” Umerov stated. “We believe further talks between delegations make sense only if they are directed toward preparing a leaders’ meeting. This is crucial for progress in the negotiation process,” he said.

Separately, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has initiated the idea of a trilateral meeting in Türkiye involving Zelenskyy, Putin, and Trump.

“I hope that Zelenskyy and Putin will meet in Türkiye with US President Trump participating,” Erdoğan said.

Back in May, President Zelenskyy already suggested meeting Putin in Istanbul, but the Kremlin ignored the proposal. Instead, Russia sent a delegation led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky—a move that drew sharp criticism from both Ukraine and Western nations for its lack of seriousness.

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