Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he is preparing for a crucial meeting with Donald Trump in Washington next week.
The talks, scheduled for Monday, will mark the first time the two leaders have met face-to-face since Mr Trump’s return to the political stage.
Mr Zelenskyy confirmed the meeting in a post on X, saying he was “grateful” for the invitation from Washington.
He described the talks as an opportunity to address the war “at the level of leaders” and said it was vital to agree on practical steps that could shape the next phase of the conflict.
The Ukrainian president added: “It is important that everyone agrees there needs to be a conversation at the level of leaders to determine which steps are necessary and which will work.”
The meeting comes days after reports suggested Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin held a private discussion over potential territorial concessions.
According to US media, Mr Putin hinted he could scale back some claims in eastern Ukraine in exchange for recognition of Russian control in Donetsk.
The Kremlin has not commented publicly on those reports, but Moscow has consistently said any peace deal must reflect “new realities on the ground”.
Mr Zelenskyy has repeatedly rejected suggestions of ceding territory, insisting that “real peace” must mean the full restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
He warned earlier this week that anything short of genuine settlement would amount to “just another pause before a new wave of aggression”.
The White House said it welcomed Mr Zelenskyy’s planned visit, describing it as an “important moment” to reaffirm US support for Ukraine.
Mr Trump has previously argued that he could secure a ceasefire “within 24 hours” if elected, though he has not outlined specific terms.
Analysts say the meeting will test whether Washington can bridge differences over Ukraine strategy, particularly as political divisions deepen in the US.
For Kyiv, the talks represent a chance to reinforce Ukraine’s case for sustained Western backing amid signs of war fatigue.
Mr Zelenskyy has also faced pressure at home, with opposition figures warning that international support could weaken without clear progress on the battlefield.
The Ukrainian leader has sought to rally allies ahead of a difficult winter campaign, stressing the need for both military aid and long-term security guarantees.
Diplomatic observers say his meeting with Mr Trump could shape not only Ukraine’s next steps, but also the wider geopolitical balance.
NATO officials are watching closely, aware that any shift in US posture could have major implications for European security.
The talks are expected to cover military assistance, possible peace frameworks, and Ukraine’s future ties with NATO.
Mr Zelenskyy said he would enter the meeting “with a clear position” and a determination to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty.
He added that Ukraine’s goal remained unchanged: “a just and lasting peace that guarantees freedom and independence”.
The meeting in Washington is due to take place on Monday, with further details expected over the weekend.
