Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is prepared to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but only after Ukraine’s allies agree on firm security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression once the war ends.

Zelensky warned that both sides were bracing for further hostilities, noting that Russia is reinforcing its positions on the southern front line, while Ukraine has begun testing a new long-range cruise missile.

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed his push to end Russia’s three-and-a-half-year invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky stressed that any potential meeting with Putin must be held in a neutral European country.

“Switzerland, Austria – we agree… For us, Turkey is a NATO country and part of Europe. And we are not opposed,” Zelensky said when asked about possible venues.

The Ukrainian leader dismissed the possibility of China playing any role in future security guarantees, citing Beijing’s alleged support for Moscow throughout the conflict.