According to the White House, Russia has “expressed a desire” for direct talks with Trump, raising hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough amid growing pressure to end the war.
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump could meet Russian President Vladimir Putin as early as next week in a potential Ukraine peace summit that may also include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to the White House, Russia has “expressed a desire” for direct talks with Trump, raising hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough amid growing pressure to end the war.
Trump discussed the proposed summit during a call with Zelensky and several European leaders, including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO chief Mark Rutte.
“If the meeting will bring peace, then it will happen,” a senior White House official told Fox News.
The talks follow Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, holding a three-hour meeting with Putin in Moscow. Trump later wrote on Truth Social that Witkoff made “great progress” and that “everyone agrees this war must come to a close.”
Trump, who recently described Russia as an “extraordinary threat,” has threatened crippling sanctions on nations, including India and China, still purchasing Russian oil.
Zelensky responded cautiously, stating, “Russia seems more inclined to a ceasefire. The pressure works, but we must be wary of deception.”
Putin has not confirmed participation but reportedly remains open to talks “after preparatory work.”