In a significant development, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet in the coming days, according to a Kremlin official.
The announcement follows Trump’s recent statement that there’s a “good chance” he could meet both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky very soon to discuss a possible end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. When asked about a potential three-way summit, Trump responded that the prospects were strong but offered few details.
This comes ahead of a deadline set by Trump, requiring Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face expanded sanctions. That deadline expires Friday.
Trump’s optimism stems from recent talks held in Moscow between Putin and his envoy, Steve Witkoff. The US President described those talks as “highly productive.” Russian officials, while more reserved, called the discussions “constructive” and noted an exchange of signals between both sides.
Witkoff has traveled to Moscow multiple times this year, and although Trump has remained hopeful after each visit, he admitted that Putin had left him disappointed on several occasions. Now, his tone is more cautious. “I don’t call it a breakthrough,” he told reporters. “We’ve been working on this for a long time. Thousands of young people are dying… I just want to get it over with.”
Reports suggest Trump had initially hoped to meet with Putin as early as next week, with a possible follow-up meeting including Zelensky.
Zelensky has confirmed speaking to Trump about the envoy’s visit and indicated support for a meeting between the three leaders. He emphasized the need for leadership-level talks and said it’s important to define the scope and timing of such a meeting.
Images released show Putin and Witkoff shaking hands in a formal setting, suggesting a cordial relationship despite the tensions.
However, expectations for a breakthrough remain low. Russia continues to launch airstrikes against Ukraine, seemingly unfazed by the threat of new US sanctions. In response to ongoing tensions, Trump recently signed an executive order placing a 25% tariff on imports from India due to its continued oil trade with Russia.
Before taking office, Trump claimed he could end the war in a single day. Since then, his stance on Russia has grown tougher, especially as the war drags on. Three past rounds of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, held in Istanbul, failed to deliver results. Russia’s demands remain unacceptable to Ukraine and its allies, and the Kremlin has repeatedly rejected direct talks with Zelensky.
Meanwhile, the US continues to support Ukraine militarily, approving an additional $200 million in aid this week, including funding for drone production.