- Trump aims to meet Russian President Putin next week, The New York Times reports.
- A three-way summit with Ukrainian President Zelensky may follow.
- The meeting follows a productive envoy trip to Moscow by Steve Witkoff.
What We Know
President Donald Trump is preparing to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as early as next week, according to The New York Times, which cited two people familiar with the planning. The news was reportedly shared during a call with European leaders on Wednesday.
The upcoming meeting is part of Trump’s escalating diplomatic initiative to broker a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war. It may be followed by a three-party summit including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The effort is expected to be tied to a firm deadline for Russia to accept ceasefire terms — or face additional U.S. sanctions.
Trump’s special envoy, real estate executive Steve Witkoff, met Putin in Moscow earlier this week to lay the groundwork. Trump confirmed the talks had gone well, calling them “highly productive” in a Truth Social post on Wednesday.
What They’re Saying
Following the meeting, Trump said he had updated European allies, noting a shared consensus that the war “must come to a close.”
Russia’s state news agency TASS reported that the Kremlin would wait for Trump to be briefed before commenting in more detail. Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov said “signals” were exchanged, but declined further elaboration.
“Trump has not yet been briefed on the outcome of this meeting,” Ushakov told TASS. “Therefore, I would refrain from making more detailed comments.”
Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, was also present, indicating that economic matters — including energy exports and potential trade sanctions — may have featured in the discussion.
Background: Trump’s Ultimatum on Ukraine
This diplomatic momentum follows Trump’s previous public warnings to Moscow. On July 14, he issued a 50-day deadline for a peace deal, threatening 100% tariffs on Russia and allies failing to comply. On July 29, that deadline was shortened to just ten days.
More recently, on August 5, Trump said future sanctions would hinge on the success of Witkoff’s Moscow trip. “It would require a deal where people stop getting killed,” he said in response to questions about possible penalties.
The Bottom Line
The upcoming summit could become one of the most consequential diplomatic moves of Trump’s presidency. With a sanctions deadline looming, and ongoing war pressure mounting, global attention now turns to whether Putin will respond with concessions — and whether Zelensky will join the table.
Trump Hails Productive Meeting Between Putin and Special Envoy Witkoff
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