Putin, Zelensky summit announced after Trump's White House talks

Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky have apparently agreed to a summit, after Donald Trump was caught making a telling comment about a “deal” during White House talks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have apparently agreed to sit down for a one-on-one meeting within a fortnight.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters that Mr Putin had agreed to a summit with the Ukrainian leader following a phone call with Donald Trump during White House talks about ending Russia’s war in Ukraine

The major development came as a hot mic caught Mr Trump whispering something he called “crazy” as he hosted Mr Zelensky and the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Commission and NATO

“I think he (Russian President Vladimir Putin) wants to make a deal,” Mr Trump whispered to French President Emmanuel Macron in the East Room.

“I think he wants to make a deal for me, you understand that? As crazy as it sounds.”

Earlier, Mr Trump revealed that Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a peace deal.

Mr Trump expressed optimism over the chances of ending Russia’s invasion and said he was ready to hold a three-way meeting with Mr Zelensky and Mr Putin, whom he met in Alaska last week.

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Originally published as Putin, Zelensky summit announced after Trump's White House talks