Zelensky previously said he was open to talks with Putin in any format, and called for a meeting in a neutral part of Europe - such as Switzerland or Austria, as well as in NATO member Turkey. He also indicated that he would prefer Trump to be present.

On September 6, Anton Kobyakov, an adviser to the Russian dictator, called Zelensky a “usurper of power” with whom “it is impossible to have a dialogue.” According to him, the US administration understands this, but sticks to its own interests. Kobyakov suggested that the US should turn off Starlink, which plays a key role in maintaining the combat capabilities of the Ukrainian army, so that everything “ends immediately.”

In light of this, Trump, who set aside two weeks in mid-August to organize direct talks between Putin and Zelensky, said that the warring presidents were not yet ready to make peace. The White House leader promised to continue mediation efforts to achieve a settlement, describing his position as “realistic and optimistic.” He also added that a new round of talks on Ukraine would take place in the coming days. A White House official specified that Trump intended to call the Russian president.