Putin Eyes Trump Meeting in UAE Amid Ukraine Peace Push/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Russian President Vladimir Putin says he hopes to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump next week, potentially in the UAE, amid rising international pressure to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting would coincide with a White House deadline demanding progress on peace or new sanctions. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy remains excluded from the proposed talks but insists his country is ready for negotiations.
Trump-Putin Peace Talks Quick Looks
- Putin signals desire to meet Trump next week, possibly in the UAE.
- Announcement comes ahead of White House deadline for Russia to advance peace in Ukraine.
- U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff floated a trilateral meeting with Ukraine; Russia rejected the idea.
- Putin’s adviser Yuri Ushakov emphasized focus on bilateral Trump meeting only.
- White House has not confirmed details or impact of the potential summit.
- No concessions from Moscow so far; Ukraine says it’s ready to talk.
- Gallup poll shows rising support in Ukraine for negotiating an end to war.
- Russian strikes continue, including an attack in Dnipro that killed four civilians.
Deep Look
Putin Signals Interest in Trump Meeting as Ukraine Peace Deadline Nears
MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope on Thursday for an in-person meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump as early as next week, just days before a White House-imposed deadline for Russia to demonstrate progress in ending its prolonged invasion of Ukraine.
The announcement, made after Putin’s meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reflects intensifying diplomatic efforts as Trump’s administration pressures the Kremlin to engage in substantive peace negotiations—or face sweeping new economic sanctions.
“We propose, first of all, to focus on preparing a bilateral meeting with Trump, and we consider it most important that this meeting be successful and productive,” said Putin’s top foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov.
Ushakov noted that the meeting venue has been decided “in principle,” but logistical details would be released soon. He dismissed any possibility of including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the summit—despite the White House’s openness to such a meeting, as suggested by special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Trilateral Meeting Rejected by Moscow
Ushakov confirmed that Witkoff’s suggestion for a three-way summit had “not been specifically discussed.” Instead, he reaffirmed the Kremlin’s priority of a Trump-Putin bilateral, leaving Ukraine on the sidelines—an approach that diverges from the previous U.S. policy of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
“Ukraine is not afraid of meetings and expects the same bold approach from the Russian side. It is time to end the war,” said Zelenskyy in a Telegram post on Thursday.
Trump’s Peace Deadline and Geopolitical Stakes
Trump’s administration has set Friday as a deadline for Russia to take meaningful steps toward ending the war—or face harsh new sanctions. A Trump-Putin summit would mark the first high-level U.S.-Russia meeting since 2021, when President Joe Biden met with Putin in Geneva.
The potential meeting would be a pivotal moment for Trump’s foreign policy and his efforts to broker an end to a conflict that has cost tens of thousands of military lives and over 12,000 civilian deaths in Ukraine, according to U.N. estimates.
Despite public friction in recent months, Trump has described his relationship with Putin as complex but necessary for peace, though he has also criticized the Russian leader for being “unyielding” in negotiations.
Zelenskyy Calls for European Involvement
“A ceasefire and long-term security guarantees must involve both the U.S. and Europe,” Zelenskyy stated.
He also renewed his invitation to Putin for direct talks, highlighting the importance of negotiating a format for summit talks, ceasefire conditions, and Ukraine’s post-war security architecture.
Russian Attacks Continue Despite Peace Pressure
Russian missile strikes have continued unabated, with a Wednesday attack in Dnipro killing four and injuring eight. The ongoing violence adds urgency to diplomatic efforts while undercutting hopes of an immediate truce.
Gallup Poll Shows Ukrainians Increasingly Want Peace
A new Gallup poll released Thursday reveals a dramatic shift in public sentiment inside Ukraine. Only one-quarter of Ukrainians now support continuing the fight until complete victory—down from 75% in 2022. About 70% favor a negotiated settlement.
The findings reflect growing war fatigue among a population under relentless aerial bombardment and a grinding ground war.
Most Ukrainians “do not expect active fighting to end within the next year,” Gallup reported.
The survey excluded residents of Russian-occupied territories but still reflected attitudes across the country’s regions and age groups.
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