Trump announces US-Russia-Ukraine talks to discuss war resolution

President Donald Trump has announced that US, Russian, and Ukrainian officials will meet at a security conference in Munich on Friday to discuss efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, uncertainty looms over the high-profile meeting as Moscow has not confirmed its participation, and Kyiv appears hesitant about engaging in direct talks with Russia.

Trump stated during a press conference on Thursday that Russian officials would be present alongside the US delegation, while Ukraine had also been invited. However, he acknowledged uncertainty regarding the specific attendees from each country, apart from confirming that high-level representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States would be involved.

Despite this announcement, Russia has not provided any official confirmation of its participation, and a senior Ukrainian official indicated that direct talks with Russian representatives in Munich were not anticipated.

The surprise announcement has drawn mixed reactions, especially from America’s NATO allies, who were still processing Trump’s recent phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump described his discussions as “great,” stating that there was a “good possibility of ending that horrible, very bloody war.”

However, Ukrainian officials remain cautious. Presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn said the Ukrainian delegation had no plans to participate in any three-way meeting. Rubio’s arrival in Munich faced delays when his plane was forced to return to a US airbase due to a mechanical issue. He is expected to take another flight.

Trump’s announcement has raised concerns in Ukraine and among European allies that Washington may seek a separate deal with Russia, sidelining Kyiv. Zelensky, while open to negotiations, has made it clear that Ukraine will not accept a peace agreement that excludes its direct involvement.

Zelensky firmly rejected any peace agreement that excludes Ukraine’s direct involvement, stressing that as an independent nation, it must play a central role in negotiations. His top priority remains securing strong security guarantees, and he has urged European allies to be part of the discussions to prevent a settlement dominated solely by the US and Russia.

Supporting Zelensky’s stance, French President Emmanuel Macron insisted that only Ukraine’s leadership has the authority to negotiate its future. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also cautioned against rushed agreements, warning that any deal lacking proper safeguards could compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty.

While Zelensky aims to secure continued US support, his meeting with Vance may bring uncomfortable realities. US officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have indicated that Washington does not see Ukraine as a future NATO member, and that Kyiv may need to cede Russian-occupied territories to secure peace.

Trump’s Republican Party has shown little interest in sustaining long-term military aid for Ukraine, increasing pressure on Kyiv to seek alternative strategies. If the US steps back, Ukraine may face even greater challenges in its efforts to reclaim lost territory and maintain defense operations.

The war, now nearing its third year, began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, following Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. While Russia failed to capture Kyiv, its forces now control significant portions of eastern and southern Ukraine.

As diplomatic efforts unfold in Munich, the world watches to see whether any real progress can be made toward ending one of the most devastating conflicts in modern history.