MWE Correspondent
Hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough in the Ukraine conflict could soon be tested, as a White House official revealed on Wednesday that President Donald Trump is considering a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as early as next week.
While the exact time and location remain undisclosed, officials from both Washington and Moscow have suggested that talks are actively being arranged. A senior Kremlin aide confirmed that plans are progressing and noted that both sides have agreed on a potential venue, with speculation pointing to a neutral country in the Middle East—possibly the United Arab Emirates—as a likely setting.
Trump, who is seeking a return to the presidency in the upcoming U.S. election, has previously stated that he believes he can help bring an end to the war in Ukraine. When asked whether a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would also be necessary for the talks to proceed, Trump flatly responded, “No, he doesn’t.” However, some close advisers later clarified that including Kyiv in the process would increase the chances of achieving any meaningful outcome.
Moscow has welcomed the prospect of talks with Trump but remains noncommittal on whether Zelenskyy would be involved. Political analysts note that such a summit, even if symbolic, could offer Putin an opportunity to shift global narratives and appear open to diplomacy—especially as Western sanctions continue to weigh on the Russian economy.
Also Read; Israel Moves to Seize Full Control of Gaza City
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have voiced concern over being sidelined. “There can be no deal about Ukraine without Ukraine,” a senior adviser to Zelenskyy stressed, echoing sentiments shared widely across Europe. Some fear that any negotiation that excludes Ukrainian input could jeopardize the country’s territorial sovereignty and long-term security.
Despite these concerns, the possibility of a Trump-Putin summit has already had ripple effects across global markets. Russian stocks rose, and the ruble strengthened following news of potential negotiations. The development also comes just days after Trump threatened economic sanctions on countries such as China and India for purchasing Russian oil, further indicating his intention to use both diplomacy and pressure as tools of influence.
