President Donald Trump signalled on Wednesday that he plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin “as early as next week,” following a high‑stakes Moscow
meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and the Kremlin leader. Russian state media described the three‑hour discussion as “constructive and useful,” while Trump declared “great progress was made” and briefed European leaders on plans for a potential trilateral summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Despite these diplomatic overtures, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that fresh secondary sanctions targeting buyers of Russian oil would take effect on Friday. The measures include a 100% tariff on countries continuing to import Russian crude, a move Trump says is designed to choke Moscow’s war financing. Hours after the Witkoff‑Putin talks, Trump announced a separate 25% tariff on India for its Russian oil purchases, underscoring his willingness to pressure allies as well as adversaries.
Zelensky Cautious As Russian Strikes Kill Civilians
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who spoke with Trump after the Moscow talks, said “it seems that Russia is now more inclined toward a ceasefire,” but warned both Kyiv and Washington to “ensure they do not deceive us in the details.” His comments came as Russia intensified its missile and drone strikes, killing at least six people across Ukraine in the past 24 hours. A recreation centre in Zaporizhzhia was hit, leaving two dead and 12 injured, including four children.
Ukraine’s energy ministry reported a deliberate drone attack on a gas compressor station in Odesa region, cutting supplies to hundreds of homes. Zelensky condemned the strikes as “cruelty aimed at instilling fear” and said they were part of Moscow’s effort to sabotage preparations for the winter heating season. Meanwhile, the US State Department cleared a $200 million military support package, while NATO allies pledged more than $1 billion to arm Kyiv through US‑made weapons purchases.
Trump’s Patience With Putin Wearing Thin
Trump has repeatedly accused Putin of “peddling bullsh*t” during tense private calls and expressed frustration at Moscow’s resistance to peace efforts. Since Witkoff’s previous visit in April, Russia has escalated its assault on Ukraine’s cities with long‑range missile and drone barrages. According to Kremlin sources cited by TASS and RIA Novosti, Putin “conveyed signals” to the US regarding Ukraine during Wednesday’s meeting, and a detailed readout will be issued after Witkoff briefs the White House.
A senior White House official acknowledged that arranging a Trump‑Putin meeting “as early as next week” could be challenging given the negotiating and logistical hurdles. Still, Trump insists he will meet both Putin and Zelensky “soon” to push for an end to the conflict. “President Trump wants this brutal war to end,” Leavitt said in a statement. “The Russians have expressed interest in meeting, and the president is open to meeting both leaders to move this forward.”
