US President Donald Trump plans to meet separately with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as soon as next week. The meetings will only include the three leaders, without European counterparts. Trump disclosed his plans on a call with European leaders, including Zelensky. Russia’s spokesman has not commented on the summit. Zelensky expressed hope that pressure on Russia is working to achieve a cease-fire.
The US-Russia relationship has been strained since Ukraine’s invasion by Russian forces. However, Trump believes his personal meetings can strike a bargain and end the war. This would be the first in-person summit between an American and Russian president in over four years. The planned meetings follow recent phone conversations between Trump and Putin facilitated by his special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/06/us/politics/trump-meeting-putin-zelensky.html