U.S. Eyes Direct Talks with Putin and Zelenskyy — Trump Calls Witkoff’s Meeting Great Progress

The White House confirmed that President Trump is open to a direct bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with a potential three-way summit including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also under consideration, Orda.kz reports.

Trump has claimed the meeting "could be very soon," with some reports stating it may occur next week.

After U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s three-hour meeting with Putin in Moscow, Trump reported “great progress” in the effort to resolve the Ukraine conflict, though he stopped short of calling it a breakthrough.

Trump asserted he had informed European leaders who affirmed “that the war must end,” and said, “We will work on this in the coming days and weeks.”

However, he also made clear that secondary sanctions remain an active option if no significant progress occurs. Notably, Trump slapped additional tariffs on India for its purchases of Russian oil.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that unresolved issues — especially territorial disputes — still stall a ceasefire, and that a trilateral summit hinges on substantial diplomatic engagement in the coming days. Rubio underscored the need for concessions by both Russia and Ukraine.

 Well, I don’t know about timing in terms of that.  That’s – the specific timing of it is not discussed.  I think what we have is a better understanding of the conditions under which Russia would be prepared to end the war.  We now have to compare that to what the Ukrainians and our European allies, but the Ukrainians primarily, of course, are willing to accept, Rubio said.

At the same time, the Kremlin is reportedly weighing a limited "air truce" involving a pause in drone and missile strikes if Ukraine agrees to do the same. 

Reportedly, Moscow has floated this idea to appease Trump.

On Ukraine’s response, Zelenskyy warned to remain vigilant against being misled by developments, noting Russia “now appears more inclined” toward negotiations but cautioned: “the pressure works — but don’t get deceived by the details."