Trump said Putin is ready for a deal. If only Zelensky doesn't mess it up
US President Donald Trump stated that, in his opinion, Russia is ready to conclude a peace agreement with Ukraine. He emphasized that Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky must act so as not to lose the opportunity to stop the war. According to Trump, if Kyiv does not take steps, the chance for an agreement may be lost.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump during a meeting in Alaska on August 15, 2025. Photo: Andrew Harnik / Getty Images
"Russia wants to make a deal, and Zelensky must move. Otherwise, he will miss a great opportunity, he will have to act," Trump told reporters on February 13, responding to a question whether Washington still requires Zelensky to hold presidential elections by summer.
Earlier, the Financial Times, citing Ukrainian and Western officials, reported that Ukraine was considering the possibility of holding presidential elections and a referendum on a peace agreement with Russia in spring 2026. According to these sources, an official statement could be made on February 24 — the anniversary of the start of Russian aggression.
It was also reported that the Trump administration allegedly insisted on holding elections and completing peace talks by summer. However, Zelensky denied this information. He noted that elections can only take place if the necessary security guarantees are in place, and emphasized that the main condition remains the security of the country. According to him, the issue of elections is more often raised by Ukraine's partners, rather than by the Ukrainian authorities themselves.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin announced that the next round of talks on conflict resolution is scheduled for February 17-18 in Geneva. The Russian delegation will be led this time by Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky.