Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump has indicated a “very good chance” of holding a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, following what he called “very good talks” between his envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the Russian leader in Moscow.
Speaking from the White House on Wednesday, Trump confirmed openness to direct talks but provided no concrete details. The Kremlin described the Moscow meeting as “constructive,” saying both sides exchanged diplomatic “signals.”
The discussions come ahead of Trump’s ceasefire deadline for Russia in the ongoing Ukraine war. Failure to comply could trigger sweeping secondary sanctions—particularly targeting nations continuing trade with Moscow. Hours after Witkoff’s departure, Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on Indian imports, accusing New Delhi of enabling Russia through oil purchases.
On social media, Trump said European allies were briefed and share the goal of ending the war. Zelensky confirmed his conversation with Trump and a joint call with European leaders, reiterating that Russia will only consider peace if it begins running out of resources.
Despite renewed diplomacy, fighting on the ground has intensified. Russia continues to launch airstrikes on Ukrainian cities, while Kyiv targets Russian energy infrastructure with drones. A recent attack on Kyiv raised the death toll to 32, and a separate strike in Zaporizhzhia killed two civilians.
Trump, who once promised to end the war in a day, has taken a harder line against Moscow in recent months. “We thought we had it settled, then Putin launches rockets into cities and kills civilians,” he said.
Previous peace talks, including three rounds in Istanbul, have failed. Russia’s conditions remain unacceptable to Ukraine and its Western backers, and Putin has so far rejected Zelensky’s requests for a direct meeting.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has approved $200 million in additional military aid to Ukraine, as Trump and Zelensky discussed enhanced cooperation on drone production and defense strategy.
