Trump intends to meet with Putin and Zelensky

Trump plans to meet Putin next week to push for Ukraine-Russia peace talks, sources confirm. A tripartite meeting with Putin and Zelensky will follow to negotiate a ceasefire. Trump revealed these plans during a Wednesday call with European leaders, excluding them from the summits. Zelensky, present on the call, stated, “the war must end,” but demanded “an honest end.” Putin’s participation remains unconfirmed, with his spokesman silent.

Trump’s urgency stems from frustration, as he wrote on Truth Social, “Everyone agrees this War must come to a close.” His envoy, Witkoff, recently met Putin in Moscow for hours, yet peace talks have stalled for months. Trump, skeptical of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, recently authorized arms sales to NATO allies for Ukraine’s use, contradicting his earlier stance.

He previously clashed with Zelensky in a tense Oval Office meeting and rebuffed Macron’s attempt to join a bilateral discussion with Zelensky in Rome. Trump’s recent threats of secondary sanctions against Russia highlight his exasperation with Putin, whom he accused of delaying negotiations. The lack of progress after three years of war underscores the stakes of these high-level meetings.

No confirmation has come from Putin or Zelensky, casting uncertainty over Trump’s ambitious plan.