Ukraine believes it has secured White House backing for a campaign to force Russia into negotiations, with President Donald Trump reportedly telling President Volodymyr Zelensky to act 'more boldly.' The message comes as Kyiv intensifies efforts to arrange a meeting between Zelensky and Putin.
The reported private assurances from President Trump to President Zelensky suggest a potential shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine, potentially emboldening Kyiv to escalate actions against Russia and influencing the dynamics of future negotiations.
Ukraine believes it has secured White House backing for a campaign aimed at forcing Russia into meaningful negotiations, according to a senior Ukrainian official briefed on a recent meeting between President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump reportedly told Zelensky to act "more boldly," expressing a belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not negotiate without pressure.
This development comes as Kyiv intensifies efforts to arrange a face-to-face meeting between Zelensky and Putin. While Trump has publicly endorsed direct talks, the Kremlin has consistently avoided negotiations in neutral countries, insisting Zelensky travel to Russia. Zelensky has stated he will not travel to Moscow and proposed meeting in Turkey, Switzerland, or the Middle East.
During their June 16 meeting, Zelensky suggested that Trump host a summit in the United States involving both leaders, an idea Trump reportedly "liked." U.S. officials familiar with the discussions confirmed the proposal but cautioned that no such meeting is expected in the immediate future.
The diplomatic maneuvering coincides with Ukraine's increased strikes on Russian territory, which Kyiv views as a legitimate pressure campaign. Washington has largely avoided commenting on these escalations, though the U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued a security alert warning of drone attacks. Zelensky also showed Trump photographs of damage from a recent Russian strike on Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, which reportedly visibly affected the U.S. president.
Discussions also covered air defense, with Zelensky stating Trump supports the idea of allowing Ukraine to produce Patriot air defense system missiles under license. The White House indicated Trump's administration would "take a look" at the proposal. The G7 summit's final messaging, which included a joint statement reaffirming support for Ukraine and readiness to consider domestic arms production licenses, appeared to reinforce Kyiv's message of gaining momentum.
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