Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on 22 August that Russia is actively blocking efforts to organize a trilateral summit with the United States.

President said, according to Ukrinform, that Ukraine, unlike Russia, is not afraid of any meetings with leaders. “We are ready to work productively, maximally.”

The Ukrainian president emphasized the need for increased pressure on Moscow through diplomacy and strong sanctions.

Zelenskyy expressed hope that “partners will help ensure at least a minimal productive position from the Russian side,” adding that “everything must be done so that Russia cannot continue to hide from the meeting.”

The president said that he sees strong signals from the United States, Europe, and other countries within the coalition that want to help and are ready to assist.

The comments come after US President Donald Trump announced preparations for organizing a meeting between Ukrainian and Russian leaders following his conversation with Kremlin head Putin. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that Russia does not reject any formats of work regarding Ukrainian settlement.

According to previous statements, Trump wants Zelenskyy and Putin to meet bilaterally first, with plans for a trilateral meeting involving the US president to follow. Trump has said that the Ukrainian president and the Kremlin ruler are currently “in the process” of organizing a bilateral meeting.