The Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump will meet in the coming days to discuss ending the Ukraine war, now in its third year and the deadliest European conflict since World War II.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the agreement for a summit, potentially as early as next week, following talks between Putin and Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Moscow.
Putin suggested the United Arab Emirates as a suitable venue, citing its neutral stance and history of mediating prisoner swaps between Russia and Ukraine.
No specific location has been confirmed, and expectations for a ceasefire remain low.
Russia’s MOEX stock index surged 5% on the news, reaching a two-month high, while the rouble strengthened against the dollar and yuan.
Analysts from Alfa Bank noted that investors see the summit as a step toward geopolitical normalization.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Europe must play a role in any peace process, given Ukraine’s ongoing EU accession talks.
In discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Zelensky underscored the need for a dignified peace that shapes Europe’s future security.
He expressed openness to bilateral and trilateral meeting formats but noted Russia’s lack of commitment to a ceasefire.
Concerns in Kyiv are growing that Trump’s initial meeting with Putin, excluding Zelensky, could sideline Ukraine.
Mykola Bielieskov from Kyiv’s National Institute for Strategic Studies warned that offering Putin a summit without concessions risks reinforcing Russia’s narrative of equal-footed negotiations.
Trump has intensified pressure on Russia, imposing 25% tariffs on Indian imports for purchasing Russian oil and threatening further sanctions on countries like China if Putin does not agree to a ceasefire by Friday.
Despite multiple visits by Witkoff to Moscow, no significant progress has been made.
Putin indicated he is not opposed to meeting Zelensky but stressed that conditions for such talks are not yet met.
In Kyiv, public sentiment is wary.
Mykhailo Kryshtal, a 55-year-old actor, expressed skepticism about Putin’s intentions, suggesting the Russian leader has little incentive to end the conflict.
Meanwhile, the U.S. approved $200 million in additional military aid for Ukraine, signaling continued support amid diplomatic efforts.