President Donald Trump is actively considering a high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the coming weeks, as he seeks to revive diplomatic momentum to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The proposal, still in early stages, was discussed during a Wednesday call between Trump and several European allies, according to a source familiar with the conversation. While no date or location has been confirmed, the talks mark Trump’s most direct effort yet to intervene personally in the conflict since returning to the White House.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Thursday that Moscow has expressed interest in engaging with Trump. “As President Trump said earlier today on TRUTH Social, great progress was made during Special Envoy [Steve] Witkoff’s meeting with President Putin,” she said. “The Russians expressed their desire to meet with President Trump, and the President is open to meeting with both President Putin and President Zelensky. President Trump wants this brutal war to end.”
Behind the Scenes: Putin Meeting and Zelensky Response
The diplomatic overture comes after Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy for peace missions, met with Putin in Moscow earlier this week. Trump described the talks as “highly productive” in a Truth Social post, and indicated he had briefed European leaders afterward.
“Everyone agrees this war must come to a close, and we will work toward that in the days and weeks to come,” Trump said.
Zelensky also acknowledged speaking with Trump following the Moscow meeting, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “Our joint position with our partners is absolutely clear – the war must end. And it must be done honestly.”
While Trump has floated the idea of a trilateral meeting, it remains unclear whether Putin or Zelensky has formally agreed to participate. The New York Times first reported that Trump told allies he hopes to meet with both leaders as early as next week, potentially without additional international mediators present.
Political Stakes and Foreign Policy Challenges
Trump campaigned on a controversial promise to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office — a claim he later clarified as “sarcastic.” Still, he has made ending the conflict a cornerstone of his foreign policy agenda in his second term.
The war, now entering its fourth year, continues to grind on with no major breakthroughs. Russia has ramped up drone strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, while Kyiv has struggled to regain lost territory. European leaders have largely welcomed renewed U.S. engagement, but remain cautious about Trump’s unconventional diplomatic style.
Trump’s relationship with both foreign leaders has a complex history. He has met with Zelensky multiple times, including during a 2023 White House visit that reportedly grew tense after Vice President J.D. Vance criticized Zelensky for not showing sufficient gratitude for American aid. Trump has also maintained periodic contact with Putin, and has previously expressed admiration for the Russian leader — a stance that has drawn criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans.
Sanctions and Geopolitical Pressure
In a move that could complicate potential talks, the Trump administration is preparing to impose new sanctions on Russia by the end of the week. According to senior officials, the sanctions will target military suppliers and financial institutions aiding the Kremlin’s war effort.
The White House also announced it will double tariffs on Indian goods in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which the administration says is helping fund Moscow’s aggression.
“We will not allow countries to skirt responsibility while innocent civilians suffer,” a senior administration official said. “These economic measures are meant to increase pressure on the Russian war machine and incentivize meaningful negotiation.”
What’s Next?
For now, diplomatic channels remain open — but fragile. Analysts note that while a direct meeting between Trump, Putin, and Zelensky could provide an opening for dialogue, it also risks sidelining broader multilateral efforts involving NATO, the EU, and the United Nations.
“The key question is whether this is serious diplomacy or just theater,” said Evelyn Farkas, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia. “If the meeting is well-prepared and coordinated with allies, it could be constructive. If not, it could create confusion and undermine long-standing diplomatic efforts.”
As of Thursday, neither the Kremlin nor the Ukrainian presidency has confirmed participation in any such meeting.
