Trump Signals Imminent Meeting With Putin As Ukraine Ceasefire Stokes Clash
U.S. President, Donald Trump has hinted that a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin could happen “very soon,” fueling speculation of a potential diplomatic breakthrough in efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Trump made the remarks following what he described as “very good talks” between his special envoy, real estate executive Steve Witkoff, and Putin during a three-hour meeting in Moscow on August 6. The Kremlin also described the session as “useful and constructive.”
According to U.S. officials, preliminary plans are underway for a direct meeting between Trump and Putin as early as next week. A senior White House source confirmed that discussions were “progressing quickly” and that a formal announcement could follow soon.
In addition to a bilateral meeting, Trump is reportedly open to a broader summit involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, contingent on diplomatic progress and mutual agreement.
The former president has positioned himself as a potential peacemaker and has tied the prospect of new sanctions on Russia to the success of ceasefire negotiations.
“The talks were highly productive. We’re closer than ever to ending this conflict,” Trump said, referring to Witkoff’s meeting. He added that he sees a “very good chance” of sitting down with Putin in person “very soon.”
Trump has given all parties until Friday, August 8, to reach a ceasefire deal, after which he says his administration would impose new sanctions on Russia and its key trading allies if no agreement is reached.
Global attention is now focused on whether the proposed summit will materialize and what it might mean for the future of the war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.
The Kremlin has not ruled out the meeting and has confirmed that preparations are being made.
The possibility of a Trump,Putin Zelenskyy summit would mark the first such high-level interaction since the war began in 2022 and could signal a major turning point in the diplomatic efforts to end hostilities.
