Zelensky made the statement ahead of meeting planned between Putin and Trump in Alaska on August 15

The Kremlin confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump will meet in the coming days, following a proposal from the American side

“We hear many statements that are essentially threats, attempts to coerce countries into severing trade relations with Russia. We do not view such statements as legitimate,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov

While the call did not result in any formal agreements, it marks a significant step in high-level communication between Russia and France, potentially opening the door to further dialogue amid ongoing geopolitical tensions

The French president emphasized that peace initiatives must be rooted in international legitimacy and trust — qualities he suggested Moscow lacked due to its current geopolitical posture

Zelensky says Kyiv is open to Putin’s proposed May 15 talks, but insists a full and lasting ceasefire must come first

The U.S. brokered maritime and energy ceasefires between Ukraine and Russia, easing tensions but raising concerns over sanctions and enforcement.

Zelenskiy criticized Orban’s initiative, viewing it as undermining Western solidarity. Ukraine has consistently opposed peace proposals that do not include full restoration of its territorial integrity and has rejected any ceasefire that could allow Russia to regroup.