Zelenskyy Hints at High-Stakes Meeting with Putin at US G20 Summit
President Zelenskyy discusses potential trilateral peace talks with Putin and the US at the G20, while criticizing Trump's Russian oil tariff waivers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that a potential trilateral meeting involving Russian President Vladimir Putin could be on the horizon. The Ukrainian leader indicated that such a diplomatic encounter could take place in the United States during the upcoming G20 Summit in December, though he noted that official confirmation from both Washington and Moscow is still pending.
Open to Any Format for Peace
Taking to X, President Zelenskyy emphasized his unwavering readiness to engage in peace talks regardless of the location or the number of parties involved. He stated that Ukraine is prepared to negotiate "anywhere" and "in any format," whether it be a two-way, three-way, or even a "five-plus" arrangement, stressing that the ultimate goal remains the achievement of peace.
Regarding the American role, Zelenskyy mentioned that the U.S. has been actively involved in negotiations. He expressed hope that the United States would leverage its influence to increase pressure on Moscow rather than on Kyiv, arguing that any other approach would be "simply unfair."
Potential Venues for Diplomacy
According to the Ukrainian President, the U.S. has proposed several options for a trilateral meeting between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. The suggested venues include:
- The United States, coinciding with the G20 Summit.
- Middle Eastern nations, specifically the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or Saudi Arabia.
- Various European countries, where Zelenskyy noted that European leaders are already initiating contacts.
Zelenskyy further indicated that he expects a separate meeting with the American side as early as next week, noting that he is ready to meet in Ukraine, Europe, or the U.S. if invited.
Diversifying the Negotiating Track
Beyond the U.S.-led efforts, Zelenskyy suggested that European nations should establish their own independent infrastructure and track for negotiations with Russia. He believes in pursuing every possible avenue to bring the war to an end.
Additionally, the Ukrainian leader plans to hold separate discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and representatives from Middle Eastern countries to specifically address critical issues surrounding food and sea security.
Disappointment Over Trump's Tariff Waivers
While pursuing diplomatic channels, President Zelenskyy expressed significant disappointment over recent policy shifts by U.S. President Donald Trump. The Ukrainian leader criticized Trump's decision to waive additional 100 per cent tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil.
This move comes as part of an Executive Order implementing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, though the order simultaneously waived several sanctions and duties. Zelenskyy pointed to a recent diesel deal between the U.S. and Russia as evidence that sanctions relief is continuing, which he views as a setback.
Zelenskyy described these decisions as a "major defeat" to the legacy of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, whom he praised for his lifelong devotion to America and his consistent push for maximum assistance to Ukraine.