Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has identified Trkiye, Austria, and Switzerland as potential venues for a face-to-face summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The announcement was made during remarks published by local media, emphasizing the importance of a neutral European location for the meeting.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy stated that the European continent, currently affected by the war, necessitates a neutral venue. He expressed agreement with the idea, citing Switzerland and Austria as suitable locations. Zelenskyy also mentioned Trkiye as a potential host, highlighting its status as a NATO member and part of Europe.

Trkiye has previously facilitated important diplomatic engagements between Russia and Ukraine, hosting three rounds of direct peace talks in Istanbul. These discussions, occurring on May 16, June 2, and July 23, resulted in significant prisoner exchanges and the drafting of memoranda for a potential peace agreement.

Zelenskyy dismissed Moscow as a venue and described Budapest as complicated due to Hungary's stance on the conflict. He emphasized that proactive actions by Ukraine were necessary, advocating for a meeting without special conditions.

In preparation for the talks, Zelenskyy noted the formation of a coordination group led by US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff. The group was established following a meeting hosted by Trump at the White House with Zelenskyy and European leaders.

The Ukrainian President's comments coincide with diplomatic efforts by Trump to mediate a resolution to the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war. These efforts include a summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska and subsequent discussions in the Oval Office involving Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Tuesday that the US is collaborating with Russia and Ukraine to facilitate a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy.