Zelenski invites Putin to G7 summit for direct talks as Trump sees opening for Ukraine peace

An invitation amid the rubble

Speaking from the historic Lavra Pecerska monastery in Kyiv, struck overnight by Russian missiles and drones, Zelenski told reporters that the United States and Europe had agreed to invite Putin to the G7 summit in France. "We are ready to meet with Putin during the G7, because Trump is there and Macron is there, so the Europeans plus America. This is a very good opportunity, I think, very good, to all meet," he said, speaking in English.

“We transmitted the message that we are ready to meet with Putin during the G7 summit.”

A Ukrainian official confirmed that Zelenski had communicated the proposal to the American side and to French President Emmanuel Macron, and that an invitation was sent directly to Russian counterparts, but no clear response has been received.

Trump sees an opening

US President Donald Trump, attending the G7 gathering, sounded an optimistic note after separate phone calls with both leaders on Sunday. "I had a very good conversation yesterday with President Zelenski and President Putin, and I think maybe we can do something about this. I really think so. I think both are open to this idea," Trump told reporters. His remarks came as the summit opened with a session centred on the Iran deal framework he had announced earlier in the day.

Russia answers with a deadly strike

Hours after Trump's calls, Russia launched a combined attack on Kyiv and the north-eastern city of Kharkiv, using 70 missiles and 611 drones, according to Ukrainian officials. At least 10 people were killed. Zelenski accused the Russian leader of acting cynically, launching such a massive assault shortly after speaking with the American president. "Europe and the United States reached an agreement, and Russia has once again demonstrated that it is not ready to discuss," he said.

“Europe and the United States have been in agreement, and Russia has once again demonstrated that... it is not ready to discuss.”

Putin's rejection

Zelenski's G7 invitation follows an open letter he sent to Putin earlier this month, offering face-to-face ceasefire talks and arguing that the war is increasing pressure on Russia's economy. In response, Putin said publicly that he sees no reason to meet and that Ukraine's long-range drone attacks pose no economic threat. The Russian leader gave no indication that Moscow would shift its stance at the G7.

Air defence top of the agenda

Zelenski said his priority at the G7 will be securing more air defence systems to protect against Russian attacks. "We will have meetings with the Europeans and also with President Trump; we will discuss with him how to get Putin to stop this war," he added. Macron's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the proposal.