The Kremlin confirmed Thursday that President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a face-to-face meeting “in the coming days”, after the White House first announced the plan Wednesday.
Putin’s longtime foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov said the talks were agreed to “at the suggestion of the American side” and that the venue is also set “in principle”, with the United Arab Emirates floated as a possible location.
Zelensky Meeting Could Follow
While Washington suggested a three-way meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Moscow says that was never formally discussed. Instead, Trump has indicated he will meet Zelensky separately soon after the Putin talks.
Trump told reporters Thursday:
“There will be a meeting [with Putin] very soon… we could be ending the Ukraine conflict.”
No Shift in War Positions
The planned summit comes despite no change in either side’s stance.
Analysts note Putin stands to gain global prestige from a direct meeting with Trump without committing to major concessions.
Trump’s Tariff Offensive Escalates
The diplomatic news comes as Trump’s historic tariff hikes took effect overnight,