The Zelenskyy-Putin-Trump Triangle: A New Dynamic in Peace Efforts

A new triangular dynamic is emerging in the efforts to end the Ukraine war, involving Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vladimir Putin, and Donald Trump. The White House has positioned Trump not just as a mediator, but as a potential third party in the negotiations themselves.
The primary U.S. goal is to facilitate a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy. The White House announced it is actively arranging this, claiming Putin has agreed to a two-week timeline. This alone places Trump in a key intermediary role.
However, the administration has gone a step further, suggesting a trilateral summit between Zelenskyy, Putin, and Trump could follow “if necessary.” This raises the possibility of Trump moving from facilitator to a direct participant at the negotiating table, fundamentally altering the dynamic of the peace process.
As this new dynamic takes shape, the core issues remain. Zelenskyy is focused on negotiating territory with Putin. Security guarantees are being discussed with allies. And Trump has outlined the U.S. military position: no ground troops, but air support is on the table, giving him leverage in any potential trilateral talks.