President Donald Trump is preparing a whirlwind diplomatic effort next week aimed at ending Europe’s deadliest conflict since 1945. First on the agenda: a personal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by a proposed three-way summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to The New York Times and other sources, Trump informed European leaders of the initiative after what he called “highly productive” talks in Moscow between Putin and his special envoy, Steve Witkoff. Though the Kremlin has remained characteristically guarded, Trump expressed optimism about the path forward.
Witkoff’s visit to Moscow reportedly laid the groundwork for negotiations. Trump has publicly set a tight deadline — Aug. 8 — for Russia to agree to a ceasefire and halt its full-scale invasion — a conflict now nearing its fourth year with combined casualties (dead, wounded, and missing) estimated at over one million.
Trump’s Friday ceasefire deadline was explicitly backed by a threat to impose up to 100% tariffs — particularly secondary tariffs — on countries that continue trading with Russia. They would broadly target buyers of Russian oil and energy, such as India and China.
Ukrainian officials — including Zelensky himself — have voiced support for a summit hosted by Trump. While Putin has previously refused to meet with Zelensky directly, he has recently signaled conditional openness to such talks, pending expert-level groundwork.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
READ NEXT: All Clear Given At US Army Base Following Tragedy
Will Zelensky do same again in Oval Office??