Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly agreed to face-to-face talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to U.S. President Donald Trump and several European leaders. The announcement sparked cautious optimism in Kyiv, where Zelenskyy hailed the development as a “big step forward” toward a potential peace deal.

But in Europe, skepticism overshadowed celebration. French President Emmanuel Macron openly questioned Putin’s sincerity, saying he had “serious doubts” about the Russian leader’s desire for peace. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed those concerns, warning that he was unsure whether Putin had “the courage to attend such a summit.”

The possible talks, if realized, could mark the most direct engagement between Kyiv and Moscow since the start of the full-scale war. Trump has signaled a willingness to facilitate or attend the meeting, though concrete details remain uncertain.

For Ukraine, the prospect of dialogue offers a glimmer of hope in a war now stretching beyond two years. For Europe, however, doubts persist over whether Moscow is genuinely prepared to negotiate — or simply stalling for advantage.