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A notable point of discussion involves the absence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from the upcoming summit. Critics have questioned why Zelensky was not invited, especially since President Trump mentioned plans to speak with him shortly after or even before the meeting with Putin.
In response, officials clarified that the meeting was arranged at the request of Russia’s leadership, not Ukraine’s. It was emphasized that President Trump’s primary goal is to evaluate how to facilitate an end to the war through diplomatic engagement with Russia. The decision not to include Zelensky was made based on the diplomatic context and the specific request from Russia, not an oversight or intentional exclusion by the United States.