Zelensky requires strong “response” from the US if Putin does not accept a meeting

Zelensky has reiterated that Ukraine is ready to hold direct talks with Putin.

What if the Russians are not ready? Europeans raised the issue. If the Russians are not ready, then we would like to see a strong response from the United States”, he said.

Ukraine has expressed hope that the US will punish Russia with more sanctions if it does not show a serious willingness to end the war.

Zelensky has added that it was not clear what concessions Moscow was willing to make regarding the territory and that Budapest -- as the proposed location for future talks between the two countries -- was “sfiding”.