Putin open to phone call with Zelensky, Ukraine suspects a Kremlin trap

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Kremlin Proposes Phone Call as Ukraine Insists on In-Person Meeting

   Vladimir Putin is open to a phone call with Volodymyr Zelensky, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. However, the Office of the President of Ukraine views the proposal as a trap designed to avoid full-fledged negotiations. Kyiv maintains that a face-to-face meeting is necessary to resolve security guarantees and territorial demands. While Russia suggests a call or a visit to Moscow, Zelensky has expressed readiness to meet at the G20 summit. Donald Trump has also stated that a meeting between the two leaders will be arranged soon.

   Why it matters

   Putin and Zelensky have not spoken directly since 2019. The tension centers on whether diplomatic progress requires physical presence or if remote communication suffices to end the war.

   What is confirmed

   • Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated Vladimir Putin would take a phone call from Volodymyr Zelensky.
   • The Office of the President of Ukraine believes Moscow is attempting to replace high-level negotiations with phone contacts.
   • Donald Trump claims a meeting between Putin and Zelensky will be set up soon.
   • Russia's Sergei Lavrov stated Zelensky must visit Moscow to meet Putin.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ukraine is considering putting territory on the table for a meeting.
   • Zelensky hopes for tripartite talks involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine by November 10.
   • A Russia-Ukraine deal could be reached before the December G20 summit.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of a meeting date at the December G20 summit
   • Official response from Kyiv to the Moscow invitation
   • Outcome of any proposed tripartite talks by November 10
   Sources used for this update (26)

   1. kyivindependent.com — The Kyiv Independent — News from Ukraine, Eastern Europe
   2. gall.dcinside.com — 중동에서 기름 가져오는데 배럴당 33달러든대요 - 숏포지션 마이너 갤러리
   3. Українська правда — Kremlin says Putin willing to speak with Merz and Macron, claims Zelenskyy has not called
   4. The Kyiv Independent — Putin open to phone call with Zelensky, Ukraine suspects a Kremlin trap
   5. Kyiv Post — Ukraine Seeks Zelensky-Putin Meeting, Says Territory Is on the Table
   6. Yahoo — Meeting is what matters: Zelenskyy's office responds to idea of phone call with Kremlin
   7. Around Prague — Putin invites Zelensky to Moscow: why the Kremlin wants it
   8. Fox News — Zelenskyy can leverage Moscow ties from comedy days to make peace deal, says former key aide
   9. The New Voice of Ukraine — Peskov claims Putin open to talks with Macron and Merz, dodges on Zelenskyy call
   10. Breakingthenews.net — Lavrov: Zelensky must visit Moscow to meet Putin
   11. Bloomberg.com — Trump Says Meeting With Zelenskyy and Putin Will Be Set Up Soon
   12. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty — Zelenskyy Hopes For Ukraine, Russia, US Talks By November 10, As Trump Floats Putin Meeting With Ukrainian Leader
   confidence 90%