U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to hold a meeting in the coming days, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. The announcement follows Trump’s statement on Wednesday that there is a “good chance” he could meet both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in person “very soon” to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.
The potential summit comes ahead of a Friday deadline set by Trump for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face expanded U.S. sanctions. The Kremlin has confirmed that a location for the Trump–Putin meeting has been agreed, with further details to be announced.
Ushakov said the idea of a three-way summit was raised during talks in Moscow on Wednesday but was left “without comment” by the Russian side. Zelensky has expressed support for a summit, noting that bilateral and trilateral formats have been discussed. He stated that Europe must be involved in any negotiations and wrote on X: “Ukraine is not afraid of meetings and expects the same brave approach from the Russian side.”
The developments follow a visit to Moscow by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who met with Putin for the fifth time since Trump took office. The Kremlin described the discussions as “constructive,” and said both sides exchanged “signals.” Trump said he remains cautious, telling reporters: “I don’t call it a breakthrough… We’ve been working at this for a long time. There are thousands of young people dying… I’m here to get the thing over with.”
Despite diplomatic efforts, Russia has continued large-scale air attacks on Ukraine. The U.S. on Tuesday approved $200 million in additional military aid to Ukraine, including support for drone production. On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on Indian imports, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
Three rounds of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul have failed to produce a settlement. Russia’s demands remain unacceptable to Kyiv and its Western partners. These include Ukraine’s neutrality, withdrawal from four partially occupied regions, demobilization of its military, and recognition of Russian control over Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea. Russia also seeks a ban on Ukraine’s membership in military alliances, Russian as an official language, and the lifting of international sanctions.
The Kremlin has repeatedly declined requests for a direct meeting between Zelensky and Putin. Zelensky has warned that Russia will only move toward peace if it begins to run out of financial resources.
Further details on the Trump–Putin meeting are expected in the coming days.
