"No, he doesn't need to do that. They want to meet me, and I will do anything I can to stop the bloodshed," US President Donald Trump said on 7/8 when asked by reporters whether Russian President Vladimir Putin would be required to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before a US-Russia summit.

Trump's statement contradicts US media reports quoting White House officials who called a meeting between Putin and Zelensky a "prerequisite" for a summit between the US and Russian leaders.

President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on 7/8. Photo: AP

President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on 7/8. Photo: AP

President Putin previously suggested a summit with Trump in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) but said conditions were not ripe for a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart.

White House and Kremlin officials said the summit is expected to take place next week, but have not specified the location or time. The announcement followed a meeting between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and the Russian president at the Kremlin on 6/8.

Since taking office in January, Trump has been pushing for negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine. He recently increased pressure on Russia, setting an 8/8 deadline for Moscow to accept a ceasefire agreement or face sanctions.

When asked if the deadline still stands after the meeting between Putin and Witkoff, the US president said it would depend on Putin. "Let's wait and see what he says," Trump said.

Zelensky said the same day that he had discussed the situation with the leaders of France and Germany, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, stressing that Europe needs to be involved in the peace process.

"The conflict is taking place in Europe and Ukraine is an integral part of Europe, especially as we are in the process of negotiating to join the union. Europe must be a party to the relevant processes," he said.

Thuy Lam (AFP, Reuters)