What’s next for Russia-Ukraine peace talks?

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The White House is working to arrange a historic meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the first face-to-face since the war started.

The White House says President Trump is pushing to bring the leaders of Ukraine and Russia to the table for direct talks, with the goal of negotiating an end to the war that began more than three years ago.

“I can assure you that the United States government and the Trump administration is working with both Russia and Ukraine to make that bilateral happen as we speak,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Trump says European leaders are ready to step up to ensure Ukraine’s security after the war.

“When it comes to security, they’re willing to put “People on the ground. We’re willing to help them with things, especially probably if you talk by air,” said Trump.

As peace talk take place another person has died after Russian strikes damaged residential buildings in Ukraine, but President Zelenskyy insists there must be a ceasefire first and that Russia must give up the territory it still occupies. Right now, Russian troops control about one-fifth of Ukraine.

“There are areas of disagreement in this war that will have to be discussed and decided upon by these two countries,” said Leavitt.

The White House hopes to finalize a location and other details for the meeting within the next ten days.