Ukraine: Allies consider future Zelenskyy–Putin talks

After meeting with President Trump, Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated he was ready to talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the need for thorough preparations.

• The coalition of the willing, including Germany, France and the UK, was meeting to discuss the outcome of the White House talks
• US President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Washington to push for an end to the war in Ukraine
• Trump said he had called Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrange direct talks with Zelenskyy
• Trump said the US and Europe would help assure Ukraine's security in a peace deal
• Zelenskyy called talks a "truly a significant step toward ending the war" as well as ensuring security guarantees for Ukraine
• Both Austria and Switzerland have said they are open to hosting talks between Zelenskyy and Putin amid reports that Hungary is Washington's preferred option

Below is a roundup of news and analysis on Russia's war in Ukraine on Tuesday, August 19, 2025: