Trump-Putin Summit Expected Soon as Ukraine Conflict Talks Stall
The Kremlin has confirmed that preparations are underway for a highly anticipated summit between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which could take place in the coming days. This would mark the first face-to-face meeting between a U.S. and Russian leader since President Joe Biden met Putin in Geneva in 2021.
According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, both countries have agreed “in principle” on the summit and a venue has been selected, although it has not yet been disclosed publicly. “Next week has been set as a target date,” Ushakov added, noting that final logistical details are now being discussed.
A Renewed Push for Peace in Ukraine
The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts to bring an end to Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, which began in February 2022 and has since claimed tens of thousands of lives. Millions have been displaced, and large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine have been devastated.
Despite three rounds of direct peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow, no significant progress has been made. Former President Trump recently expressed optimism about brokering a resolution, stating that he expects to meet with President Putin “very soon.”
Challenges in Diplomacy
Russian negotiators have maintained firm positions, demanding that Ukraine withdraw from contested territories and halt all Western military cooperation as preconditions for peace. Meanwhile, Ukraine has called for a more balanced approach and insists that real negotiations must involve President Volodymyr Zelensky.
On Thursday, Zelensky reiterated his call for a direct meeting with President Putin, emphasizing the importance of leadership-level dialogue in resolving the conflict.
“Finding real solutions can be truly effective at the level of leaders,” Zelensky said on social media. “It is necessary to determine the timing and the issues to be addressed.”
Zelensky also confirmed ongoing discussions with international leaders, including Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as well as officials from France, Italy, and several national security advisors.
US Diplomatic Efforts Continue
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff recently met with President Putin in Moscow to propose a trilateral meeting that would include Ukraine’s President Zelensky. However, Kremlin officials have not responded to that suggestion.
“The Russian side left this option completely without comment,” Ushakov said.
So far, Russia has rejected any direct talks with Zelensky unless a peace deal framework is agreed upon in advance. Moscow has also questioned Zelensky’s political legitimacy in recent months.
What’s Next?
As the world watches closely, the potential Trump–Putin summit could mark a turning point in the ongoing conflict, or simply a continuation of the diplomatic deadlock. Both leaders have expressed interest in peace, but key differences remain.
Whether this meeting leads to tangible progress or not, it underscores the growing international urgency to end a war that has now entered its fourth year.
