Zelensky urges direct talks as Trump mediates Ukraine crisis

Zelensky and Trump had two conversations on Monday: before and after Trump's call to Putin. During the first conversation, Zelensky discussed the ceasefire and the readiness of the USA to impose sanctions if Russia violates the truce.

Some European leaders joined the second phone conversation between Zelensky and Trump. According to Zelensky, direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are crucial for Trump.

He also noted that Ukraine is considering the possibility of organising a joint meeting of the USA, Ukraine, Russia, and EU countries - which could take place in Turkey, the Vatican, or Switzerland.

He added that Ukraine will not withdraw its troops from its own territories and will not accept the Russian ultimatum.

Referring to Trump's talks with Putin, Zelensky said that a memorandum with Russia that leads to an end-of-war agreement is indeed possible. "We will wait for the Russian version of this memorandum," he added.

Zelensky admitted that he asked Trump not to make any decisions regarding Ukraine without involving Ukraine.

"Our position is clear: we want to end the war, but I don't know the true position of the Russians; perhaps they themselves don't know what they want," added Zelensky.

US President Donald Trump said that his conversation with Vladimir Putin went very well, and according to it, Russia and Ukraine will begin immediate negotiations regarding a ceasefire. However, he noted that the terms will be negotiated between the two sides.

In turn, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin called the conversation with Trump "frank and substantive." He emphasised that the issues of the ceasefire and principles for resolving the conflict can be included in the Russia-Ukraine memorandum.