US President Donald Trump is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in person next week or at the latest in 2 more weeks, according to information confirmed by the White House on August 6.
Trump has also planned a three-way meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to promote a ceasefire in Ukraine.
The two White House officials revealed to CNN that the idea of holding a meeting began after Mr. Putin proposed it to US special forces behind Steve Witkoff during a face-to-face meeting in Moscow on August 6. The exchange lasted about 3 hours and was described by the Russian side as constructive and useful.
Trump has asked the job promotion team to prepare immediately, bypassing the procedures that usually take weeks for a trip and high-level talks, the two officials said. Although the meeting location has not been decided, many options are being considered.
Trump also held a phone call with European leaders on August 6 to announce the plan. A source from the European government confirmed the call.
The Russian side expressed its desire to meet President Trump, and he is ready to meet both President Putin and President Zelensky. Mr. Trump wants this brutal conflict to end, said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The last time Mr. Putin met a US president was with Mr. Joe Biden in Geneva (Switzerland) in 2021.
After returning to the White House in January 2025, Mr. Trump has repeatedly said he will meet Mr. Putin, but this is the first time the plan has been so specific.
In that context, Mr. Trump also increased the pressure on Moscow. Ahead of the meeting between Witkoff and Putin, Trump has set a deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire, otherwise facing secondary sanctions, including a 100% tariff on countries buying Russian oil.
Immediately after the special mission meeting in Moscow, Mr. Trump wrote on social media that "great progress has been made" and signals from Russia suggested that they may be leaning towards a ceasefire.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US had a better understanding of the conditions that Russia could accept to end the conflict, adding that Trump would decide on the sanctions within 24-36 hours.
A notable move is the announcement of the White House to impose an additional 25% tax on India for continuing to import oil from Russia. Trump has previously criticized New Delhi for profiting from Russian oil and not paying attention to the lives of Ukrainians.
Speaking after the phone call with Trump, President Zelensky said: It seems Russia is leaning towards a ceasefire agreement. The pressure is working, but it is important not to let them deceive us with details, whether with Ukraine or the US.
The Kremlin said it would release further information after special envoy Witkoff reported back to President Trump.
If it takes place, the tripartite meeting between President Trump - Putin - Zelensky will be the biggest turning point in efforts to end the war in Ukraine since 2022.
