Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Kiev is in talks with US President Donald Trump's administration about the possible presence of US troops in Ukraine as part of post-war security guarantees.
At the same time, he described as a "complete fabrication" Moscow's claims of a drone strike on one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's residences.
Zelensky made the remarks in a media interview on Tuesday, which he gave via WhatsApp. According to him, Ukraine is ready to continue intensive negotiations to end the war that Russia unleashed with a large-scale attack in February 2022, and is also open to a personal meeting with Putin.
Negotiations with Trump on security guarantees
The issue of security guarantees is one of the key points for Kiev. Zelensky stressed that without a clear and strong role of the United States, the peace deal would not have the necessary weight.
"Of course, we are discussing this with President Trump and with representatives of the Western coalition. We want the presence of American troops. It would be a very strong position of security guarantees," Zelensky said.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the United States and Ukraine were "maybe very close" to an agreement to end the war. But he also acknowledged that sensitive territorial issues remain.
He was more cautious about the possibility of sending US troops, suggesting that European countries, with Washington's support, should take the lead role. The White House did not immediately comment on Zelensky's remarks about US troops.
Zelensky: I am ready to meet Putin
The Ukrainian president once again declared his willingness to personally negotiate with the Russian leader, although there is deep distrust between the two countries. "I have told President Trump and European leaders that I am ready for any format of meeting with Putin. I am not afraid of any format. The main thing is that the Russians should not be afraid," he declared.
While Moscow blames Kiev, Paris is talking about lying. Tensions over the talks were heightened by Russia's claim on Monday that Ukraine had attacked the presidential residence in the Novgorod region with 91 long-range drones. Moscow said all the drones were shot down.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described the incident as "state terrorism" and threatened retaliatory attacks.
Kiev has flatly denied the accusations. "The story about the 'attack on residential houses' is a complete fabrication aimed at justifying further Russian attacks and sabotaging the peace talks," Zelensky responded.
Moscow's claims were also disputed by a source close to French President Emmanuel Macron. According to him, there is no evidence to confirm the attack on Putin's residence. "Ukraine and its partners want peace. But Russia has decided to escalate the war further," the French source said.
Polish optimism and continued attacks
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Tuesday that peace in Ukraine could be achieved within weeks if U.S.-backed security guarantees could be negotiated. But he admitted that success was not guaranteed.
At the same time, fighting continues. On Tuesday, Russia launched further drone strikes on port infrastructure in the Odessa region, which is key to Ukrainian exports and the functioning of the war economy. The naval conflict in the Black Sea has intensified in recent months, with both sides attacking commercial and logistical targets.
Thus, alongside diplomatic negotiations, the reality remains an ongoing war that is significantly complicating the path to a lasting peace.
(reuters, pmi)