KYIV, June 15 (STL.News) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Monday that he proposed a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin at the G7 summit in France to discuss ending the ongoing four-year conflict. Speaking from a historic monastery in KYIV following a major overnight Russian attack, Zelenskiy stated that the proposal was coordinated with American and French leadership.
Zelenskiy confirmed that he sought a diplomatic opening at the summit in Evian-les-Bains, noting that participation from key global figures provided a unique setting for negotiations. The Ukrainian president highlighted that the United States and France were supportive of the potential encounter.
“We gave message that we are ready to meet with Putin during the G7, because Trump is there and Macron is there, so Europeans plus America. This is a good, I think, very good opportunity to meet all together,” Zelenskiy told reporters.
According to a Ukrainian official, the invitation was delivered directly to Russian representatives, but no clear response was received. This effort follows an earlier open letter from Zelenskiy suggesting face-to-face talks, which Putin had previously dismissed by stating there was no reason for such a meeting.
The diplomatic push occurs amid heightened violence, as Russian strikes targeted both the capital and the city of Kharkiv, resulting in at least 10 deaths. Zelenskiy characterized the timing of the assault as cynical, noting it occurred shortly after he held a telephone conversation with United States President Donald Trump.
Looking toward the G7 proceedings, Zelenskiy indicated that his primary objective involves securing additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian territory. He intends to utilize the forum to coordinate with international partners on strategies to influence Russia’s military posture.
“We will have meeting with Europeans and also with President Trump; we will speak with him about how to push Putin to stop this war,” Zelenskiy said. Macron’s office did not immediately provide a response regarding the proposed summit meeting.
