Zelenskyy says Russia obstructs summit with Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia on Friday of obstructing plans for a summit with Vladimir Putin, while security guarantees for Ukraine remain under discussion with NATO allies.

Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for such a meeting as a critical step to negotiate an end to Russia's war in Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told NBC in an interview on Friday that there is no agenda for such a summit.

"Putin is ready to meet with Zelenskyy when the agenda would be ready for a summit. And this agenda is not ready at all," he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has promised to end what he calls the “bloodbath” in Ukraine, said he had begun arranging the summit after a recent call with Putin, noting, “It’s like oil and vinegar a little bit.”

Zelenskyy also called on allies to pressure Russia into a “minimally productive position” and suggested imposing fresh sanctions if Moscow shows no interest in moving toward peace.

Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of robust security guarantees for Ukraine, saying they should resemble NATO’s Article 5 protections.

“This is the beginning of a big undertaking, and it is not easy, because guarantees consist of what our partners can give Ukraine, as well as what the Ukrainian army should be like,” he said.

Rutte added that NATO allies are collaborating with Ukraine to ensure security guarantees are strong enough that “Russia will never try to attack again.”

Zelenskyy noted that Türkiye wants to participate in Ukraine’s security guarantees, particularly in maritime security, though a ceasefire would need to be established first.

Copied