MOSCOW -A meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin could take place as early as next week, according to a top Kremlin official, in what may become a pivotal moment in efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Yury Ushakov, a senior aide to Putin, confirmed on Thursday that both sides have agreed to hold talks “in the coming days.” While the exact date and venue remain under wraps, Ushakov told Russian state media that preparations are already under way.
“It’s difficult to say how long the preparations will take,” Ushakov said, as quoted by RIA Novosti. “But we are working toward next week.”
Trump, who has previously expressed confidence in his ability to bring about a ceasefire, told reporters on Wednesday there was a “good chance” the meeting could happen “very soon.”
The planned meeting follows months of behind-the-scenes negotiations and growing pressure from Washington on Moscow to stop its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, visited Moscow this week—his fifth trip this year—to present a proposal to end the war.
Though Witkoff met with Putin, there was no major breakthrough. Trump himself appeared cautious about the outcome. “I’ve been disappointed before with this one,” he said, alluding to Putin.
The proposal reportedly included a call for trilateral talks between Trump, Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ushakov said Moscow has not yet responded to that offer.
The United States has ramped up pressure on Moscow in recent weeks. Trump imposed a strict deadline on the Kremlin to accept a ceasefire by Friday or face new sanctions. In a signal of his intent, the US announced a 100% tariff on Russian oil imports and slapped an extra 25% duty on Indian goods in response to India’s continued energy ties with Moscow.
Despite the tough stance, some signs of movement are emerging.
Zelensky, who spoke to Trump after the Witkoff-Putin talks, said on Wednesday that “it seems that Russia is now more inclined toward a ceasefire.”
He added a note of caution: “The pressure on Russia is working. But the main thing is that they do not deceive us in the details—neither us, nor the United States.”
The war in Ukraine, now well into its third year, has cost thousands of lives and displaced millions. Recent weeks have seen a surge in drone attacks, especially in southern Ukraine’s Kherson region, where Russian strikes have targeted civilian areas.
While the proposed Trump-Putin talks raise hopes of a diplomatic opening, many observers remain sceptical. Past efforts at ceasefire have failed or unravelled quickly.
Still, the next few days could prove critical.
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