Overview

• After speaking with both leaders, Trump said he has begun arranging a Putin–Zelensky meeting, and Germany’s Friedrich Merz said Putin agreed with timing possible within two weeks.
• Zelensky said Western partners plan to formalize written security guarantees for Ukraine within about ten days, with the United States pledging to be involved and provide strong protection.
• Trump indicated a trilateral session with him would follow the initial bilateral, while Macron pressed for a follow-on format that adds European leaders.
• Key disagreements persist over a ceasefire, as Merz urged securing one before the next meeting and Trump said a ceasefire may not be necessary.
• Territorial issues were not discussed in Washington and were left for potential talks between Zelensky and Putin, while combat continued with a Russian drone strike killing seven in Kharkiv.