Donald Trump may meet with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy as soon as next week. The announcement comes after his envoy held what the U.S. president described as “highly productive” talks in Russia. 
Trump Signals Potential Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting Amid Renewed Push for Ukraine Peace
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated a high likelihood of meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin “very soon,” possibly as early as next week. The announcement follows a reported three-hour meeting in Moscow between Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Putin—a conversation Trump described as “highly productive.”
According to U.S. and European media reports, Trump’s team is also preparing for a follow-up meeting involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump has expressed a desire to see both leaders and bring an end to the war in Ukraine, a promise he made repeatedly during his 2024 election campaign.
“We made a lot of progress,” Trump told reporters. “There’s a good chance there will be a meeting very soon.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed cautious optimism but warned that there are still “many impediments” to overcome. “Today was a good day, but there’s a lot of work ahead,” he said in an interview with Fox Business.
Deadlines, Diplomacy, and Pressure Tactics
Trump has set a clear deadline—August 8—for the Kremlin to agree to a ceasefire. If Russia fails to comply, the U.S. could move forward with secondary sanctions targeting countries still doing business with Moscow, such as China and India. These sanctions may include 100% tariffs on Russian oil buyers and restrictions on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” used to bypass existing sanctions.
The White House stated that Trump is willing to meet both Putin and Zelenskyy, but no date or location has been confirmed.
Zelenskyy’s Response: Cautious Hope
In his nightly address, President Zelenskyy noted that Russia appears “more inclined” toward a ceasefire but warned that Ukraine must be vigilant. “The main thing is that they do not deceive us in the details,” he said.
Zelenskyy also confirmed a recent conversation with Trump, describing it as “productive” and centered on ending the war. He added that European leaders were also part of the discussions, though specific names were not disclosed.
On the Ground: Conflict Still Rages
Despite diplomatic talks, the situation in Ukraine remains volatile. Russian drones recently targeted a gas station in southern Ukraine, hitting infrastructure tied to an LNG import project supported by the U.S. and Azerbaijan. Separately, Zelenskyy confirmed two deaths and several injuries following a Russian strike on a recreation center in Zaporizhzhia.
Additionally, Ukraine’s gas reserves have reportedly hit a 12-year low, with storage levels falling to less than one-third of capacity—a troubling sign as winter approaches.
Kremlin Remarks: Constructive, but Vague
Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov described the Witkoff-Putin meeting as “useful and constructive,” noting that messages had been exchanged between Moscow and Trump. He also acknowledged that restoring U.S.-Russia relations will take time and patience.
What’s Next?
As Trump’s August 8 deadline approaches, the world watches closely. Will Moscow agree to terms, or will new sanctions escalate tensions? Could next week mark a turning point in the war?
The coming days may bring answers—but for now, cautious optimism and strategic maneuvering define the tone.
