In a stunning development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in person to discuss ending the ongoing war in Ukraine, as announced on August 19, 2025. This marks only the second time the two leaders will meet face-to-face, following their 2019 Normandy Format Summit in Paris. The announcement follows intense diplomatic efforts, including recent White House talks involving U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders.
The meeting, potentially hosted in a neutral location like the United Arab Emirates, aims to address critical issues, including security guarantees for Ukraine and a possible ceasefire. Zelensky, who has pushed for direct talks, emphasized the need for a bilateral meeting before a trilateral summit with Trump. While Putin has historically resisted such meetings, recent U.S.-led negotiations, including a 40-minute call between Trump and Putin, have shifted Moscow’s stance, with Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov calling discussions “constructive.”
This breakthrough comes amid muted expectations, as Russia’s demands for Ukrainian neutrality and territorial concessions remain contentious. However, Zelensky’s readiness and Trump’s mediation could pave the way for progress. With the war nearing its fourth year, this historic meeting could be a pivotal step toward peace, reshaping geopolitics.