Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin remains “the most effective way forward” toward ending the war, suggesting Turkey, Gulf nations or European countries could host the talks. In separate remarks to European counterparts, Zelenskyy urged a clear, jointly articulated framework of security guarantees for Ukraine before any negotiations with Moscow proceed. During a virtual session convened by Polish President Karol Nawrocki with the leaders of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Denmark, he asked partners to spell out who would help defend Ukraine on land, at sea and in the air should Russia attack again. Zelenskyy added that a unified European stance and increased pressure on the Kremlin are critical as diplomatic efforts intensify. The security package—also under discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump—would underpin any eventual settlement after more than three and a half years of conflict that began with Russia’s 2022 invasion.