Ukraine has called for a face-to-face meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump in the United States this week, saying direct talks are essential as the war enters a decisive phase and Kyiv seeks stronger security guarantees. Senior Ukrainian officials confirmed on Monday that the request was formally conveyed to Washington, highlighting the urgency of aligning strategies ahead of several key diplomatic and military deadlines.
According to Kyiv, a meeting on U.S. soil would allow both leaders to address stalled military aid, the future of long-range weapons supplies, and the political roadmap for Ukraine’s defence partnerships. Zelensky has repeatedly stressed that without clear commitments from the White House, Ukraine risks losing critical momentum on the battlefield as Russian forces step up attacks across eastern and southern fronts.
Advisers to the Ukrainian President say the meeting is also meant to stabilise communication between the two governments after several weeks of mixed signals regarding long-range missile systems, funding approvals, and Washington’s expectations for future negotiations. “This conversation needs to happen face to face, not through statements,” one senior Ukrainian official said.
The Trump administration has not publicly confirmed whether the meeting will take place, but officials in Washington acknowledged receiving the request and said discussions are underway. Analysts note that Trump’s recent comments urging faster progress on ceasefire arrangements — coupled with concerns in Kyiv about appearing pressured into concessions — add further weight to the urgency of the proposed talks.
Ukraine’s call comes at a time of increasing diplomatic activity across Europe and the U.S., with allies seeking clarity on how long they can sustain military support and what a potential negotiated endgame might look like. Zelensky, who is expected to travel for several engagements this month, has said he is willing to adjust his schedule “entirely” if Trump agrees to the meeting.
For Kyiv, the stakes are high. A successful visit could help unlock stalled aid packages, improve coordination on air defence and artillery requirements, and reassert Ukraine’s strategic importance in Washington. A delay, Ukrainian officials warn, risks giving Russia more room to advance before winter fortifications take full effect.
As of now, both governments are signalling cautious diplomacy — but Kyiv insists the moment requires urgency.