The deeply contentious question of territory is set to dominate a planned summit between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a meeting being brokered by the United States. President Zelenskyy has explicitly identified this as the key issue he will discuss one-on-one with the Russian leader.
“The question of territory is a question that we will leave between me and Putin,” Zelenskyy stated, signaling his intent to engage in direct, high-stakes negotiations over the future of Ukrainian lands currently occupied by Russia. This clear focus sets the stage for a difficult but potentially decisive conversation.
The White House is facilitating this dialogue, announcing that it secured Putin’s agreement to meet following a call between President Trump and the Russian leader. The administration is pushing for the meeting to occur within two weeks, though Russia has indicated it will not be rushed, citing the need for thorough preparation.
While the territorial dispute will be handled by the two presidents, Ukraine is simultaneously working with international partners to establish security guarantees for its future. In these parallel discussions, the U.S. has made its potential contribution clearer: no American “boots on the ground,” but air support remains a distinct possibility.