Donald Trump mentioned a “good chance” of meeting Russian and Ukrainian leaders after “very good talks” between his envoy and Vladimir Putin. At the White House, Trump indicated a “very good prospect” for such a summit but provided no further details. The Kremlin issued a vague statement about the talks in Moscow between Putin and Steve Witkoff, calling them “constructive”. This meeting occurred just before Trump’s deadline for Russia to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire or face new sanctions.
Trump’s comments followed after he briefed some European allies on his Truth Social platform, asserting that everyone agrees on the war’s end and efforts towards achieving it will continue. The White House informed the BBC of Russia’s desire to meet with Trump, who is “open to meeting with both President Putin and President Zelensky”. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he discussed Witkoff’s visit with Trump alongside European leaders, noting Russia’s move towards peace hinges on a financial squeeze.
Trump warned of hefty and secondary sanctions on Russia if it doesn’t progress towards war resolution. Despite Trump’s frustration over stalled negotiations, Putin and Witkoff’s discussions seemed cordial. Soon after Witkoff’s Moscow departure, the White House announced Trump signed an order for a 25% tariff on India due to buying Russian oil, effective August 27. Trump criticized India for indifference towards Ukraine’s situation. While resolution expectations by Friday are low, Russia continues large-scale air attacks despite sanction threats.
Before assuming office, Trump claimed he could end the Russia-Ukraine war in a single day. As the conflict persists and rhetoric towards Moscow grows tougher, Trump expressed repeated disappointment in settlement attempts thwarted by Putin’s actions. Three failed talks in Istanbul between Ukraine and Russia underscore the challenges, as Moscow’s terms remain unacceptable to Kyiv and Western allies. The Kremlin has turned down Zelensky’s requests to meet Putin.
Meanwhile, the US approved $200 million in additional military sales to Ukraine following a phone call between Zelensky and Trump, discussing defense cooperation and drone production. Ukraine is targeting Russian refineries, while Moscow focuses on Ukrainian cities. Kyiv experienced one of its deadliest strikes recently, with 32 casualties. Ukrainian reports also detailed a Russian attack on a Zaporizhzhia holiday camp, killing two and injuring twelve. Zelensky criticized the attack’s senseless cruelty aimed at instilling fear.