U.S. Tempers Expectations for Ukraine Trilateral Summit, Stresses Concession Talks

U.S. officials do not expect today’s talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to produce a firm date for a long-discussed trilateral summit aimed at advancing a settlement of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Fox News correspondent Jacqui Heinrich reported, citing a source involved in the pre-meeting. Instead, diplomats say the session would be judged a success if it yields a candid exchange on what territory Kyiv might be prepared to discuss and on the security guarantees Western partners could offer to underpin any deal. Washington and European capitals believe momentum exists to make progress within “weeks, not months,” according to the source, but acknowledge Zelenskyy must define non-negotiable red lines and overcome domestic hurdles such as a potential referendum on any border changes. No comprehensive security plan is expected today, but U.S. and European negotiators are seeking agreement in principle on next steps, including a commitment to draft legally durable guarantees that could outlast changes in U.S. administrations. Maintaining unity among Kyiv, Washington and European allies remains the primary goal as they weigh how to respond to preliminary maps reportedly floated by Russian President Vladimir Putin.