The NATO summit, scheduled for July 7–8 in Ankara, could become a key platform for discussing ways to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine citing Associated Press.
Meeting of Leaders in Turkey
US President Donald Trump intends to meet personally with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday during the NATO summit. The fact of the upcoming meeting was confirmed by White House spokesperson Anna Kelly in a conversation with journalists. According to AP, a senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that Trump feels an urgent need to stop the fighting. Scenarios for ending the conflict will become the main topic of negotiations with the Ukrainian leader.
Washington's Action Plan
According to sources, after the negotiations in Ankara, Trump is expected to contact Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Prior to his visit to Turkey, Trump already held separate phone conversations with Zelenskyy and Putin. Both leaders congratulated the US President on the 250th anniversary of the country's independence.
Reaction of the Sides
After the call, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the parties discussed the situation on the front. He noted the existence of a "real prospect of ending this war" and emphasized that the dialogue would continue at the NATO summit. The Kremlin, after the call, stated that Trump confirmed his readiness to contribute to the earliest cessation of hostilities and the search for peaceful ways to resolve the conflict.
Expectations from the Negotiations
Earlier, Trump stated that Vladimir Putin is "under pressure" and that the end of the war could be closer than many think. According to him, both Ukraine and Russia allegedly want to stop the fighting, and negotiations on this matter are already underway. The topic of ending the war is planned for discussion with NATO allies during the summit in Ankara.
