Donald Trump last night dismissed the idea that a US-Russia summit will only happen if Vladimir Putin meets Ukraine’s president.
The US leader is continuing to seek a diplomatic end to the war in Ukraine – and is threatening economic sanctions if Putin continues to snub Volodymyr Zelensky.
A Kremlin aide yesterday indicated that Mr Trump and Putin could get together ‘in the coming days’.
Putin said desire for a US-Russia summit was ‘mutual’ and that friends in the UAE could accommodate the meeting.
He also did not rule out face-to-face talks with President Zelensky, adding ‘certain conditions’ would need to be met, without specifying what those would be.
Earlier, a White House official, cited by several US outlets, said the Russian leader would have to agree to meet his Ukrainian counterpart in order for the talks with Mr Trump to go ahead.
But when pressed on further details by reporters, the US President said Putin and Mr Zelensky did not have to meet in order for the US-Russia meeting to take place.
A US deadline for Russia to commit to peace talks expires today.
If the deadline passes, the US is expected to levy secondary tariffs targeting Russia’s key allies India and China. In anticipation of those surcharges, India last night announced it was suspending its orders for Russian oil.
The move would deprive the Kremlin of billions in oil revenues to bankroll its occupation and bombardment of Ukraine.
When asked about today’s deadline, Mr Trump said last night: ‘It’s going to be up to him [Putin]. We’re going to see what he has to say. It’s going to be up to him. Very disappointed.’
Posting on X, President Zelensky said a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia was still at the forefront of negotiations.
He said: ‘We remain mindful of the need for a real ceasefire. Ukraine is ready for it and there has been no clear public response from Russia yet.’
Last night, former UK defence secretary Ben Wallace said it was essential a European power, such as the UK, should be present at the talks.
