Zelensky Ready to Meet Putin “In Any Format” Without Preconditions

U.S. President Donald Trump has launched preparations for direct talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, signaling a potential breakthrough in negotiations. Trump Announces U.S. Coordination Efforts Trump revealed on his Truth Social platform that Washington will coordinate efforts with Moscow and Kyiv through U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff. The announcement followed Trump’s talks in the White House with EU leaders and Zelensky on August 18. Zelensky Signals Flexibility According to Zelensky, Russia requested the meeting through the American administration. He emphasized that Kyiv is ready to meet Putin “in any format” without preconditions, dropping earlier demands for a ceasefire. Zelensky noted that insisting on a truce could allow Moscow to accuse Ukraine of obstructing negotiations.