Ukraine says Zelensky is ready to discuss territory with Putin in person
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sent word to Russian President Vladimir Putin that he is ready to discuss territory at an in-person meeting, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha told the newspaper Helsingin Sanomat.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Støre conveyed Zelensky’s position to Putin during a phone call on October 27.
Sybiha said the European leaders initiated the call in coordination with Kyiv. Its main purpose was to convey Ukraine’s message: Along with proposing an in-person meeting between the leaders, Ukraine also called for a ceasefire.
“We want this meeting and are ready for it. In all likelihood, only a meeting between Zelensky and Putin can change the dynamics of the negotiations. Zelensky is ready to discuss the most difficult and sensitive issues, including territory,” Sybiha said.
Stubb’s office had previously said the purpose of the call was to “convey Ukraine’s position on the upcoming peace talks in Abu Dhabi directly to President Putin.” Helsinki provided no details.
Putin’s conversation with Stubb and Støre was his first contact with European leaders who support Ukraine since July 2025, when he spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron.
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