The pair will discuss an updated version of a US-brokered 20-point peace plan, which Moscow has yet to support
“A lot can be decided before the New Year,” Zelensky says, adding that Russia has launched thousands of attacks this week
Ahead of the meeting, Trump has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and describes the phone call as “very productive”
What we’ll find out today is how successful the US is in making Ukraine accept some of Russia’s key demands in exchange for promises to protect Ukraine should Russia attack again, writes
Lavrov warns any European troops in Ukraine would be ‘legitimate target’
Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that any European troops on the ground in Ukraine would be a “legitimate target”.
In an interview with Russian news agency Tass published on the news agency’s site earlier today, Lavrov tells European leaders “there is no need to be afraid of Russia attacking anyone”.
But he adds that “should anyone consider attacking Russia, they would face a devastating blow”.
As a reminder, some countries in the “coalition of the willing” – a group of Kyiv allies who say their aim is to secure a durable peace deal in Ukraine – have expressed willingness to put boots on the ground in the country in the event of a ceasefire.
On today’s talks between Trump and Zelensky, Lavrov says Russia “appreciates” the US president’s efforts to reach a deal, but warns that Zelensky is “not ready to engage in constructive talks”.
