Zelenskyy says he wants 'strong' US reaction if Putin not ready to meet

President Donald Trump participates in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in the East Room of the White House, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Washington. Picture: AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyivwould like a "strong reaction" from Washington if Russian President Vladimir Putin was not willing to sit down for a bilateral meeting with him.

US President Donald Trump is seeking to broker peace between the two warring countries but has conceded that Putin, with whom Mr Zelenskyy has sought a one-on-one sitdown, may not be willing to make a deal.