Trump Open to Talks With Putin and Zelensky as Russia Proposes Summit

White House confirms Moscow initiated proposal; no date or venue finalized as diplomatic push gains traction

A potential diplomatic reset may be in the works. The White House confirmed on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling what could be the most significant diplomatic moment of Trump’s second term so far. Trump is reportedly open to meeting not only with Putin, but also with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a bid to inject fresh momentum into the stalled Ukraine peace process.

But as of now, it’s all still on paper. No date. No venue. No official invitations.

A quiet proposal with loud consequences

The idea of a Trump–Putin summit didn’t come from Washington. It came from Moscow.

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the proposal was floated during a nearly three-hour closed-door meeting in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. It was Witkoff’s first extended session with Russian leadership since being appointed in May.

“The Russians expressed their desire to meet with President Trump,” Leavitt told reporters on August 6. “The President is open to meeting with both President Putin and President Zelensky.”

That last part raised eyebrows. Trump’s willingness to engage both sides could suggest a bigger play behind the scenes.

Still in early stages, say U.S. officials

Despite the excitement—and the anxiety—the process is nowhere near the finish line.

A senior White House official, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, confirmed that no specifics on time or location have been nailed down. “There’s interest. But no calendar,” the source said.

A second official added, “These things don’t just get slotted like a campaign rally. Security, diplomacy, optics—all of it’s under review.”

So don’t expect a handshake photo op just yet.

Why now? The political and strategic backdrop

The timing of Russia’s proposal is hardly coincidental. The war in Ukraine has entered its fourth year, and despite massive Western aid, the frontlines have barely moved. Ukrainian counteroffensives have stalled. Russian gains remain limited. Peace remains elusive.

Add to that:

• European fatigue with rising defense costs

• Growing skepticism in U.S. Congress over additional aid

• A looming winter that could cripple Ukrainian energy infrastructure again

• Trump’s growing dominance in global headlines

And you’ve got a ripe environment for diplomatic maneuvering.

It’s chess. And both sides are moving their queens.

What’s at stake if Trump meets Putin—and Zelensky

A summit between Trump and Putin could carry huge implications for global diplomacy, sanctions policy, and battlefield dynamics.

But it’s also a tightrope walk.

For Trump, the meeting risks fueling old criticisms of being too friendly with the Kremlin. He was heavily scrutinized for his 2018 Helsinki summit with Putin, where he appeared to accept the Russian leader’s word over U.S. intelligence agencies.

This time, the stakes are higher. Lives, not just reputations, are on the line.

Still, some in Washington believe Trump’s dual-track diplomacy could unlock something previous administrations couldn’t.

“If Trump can bring both men to the table—Putin and Zelensky—that’s history,” said retired diplomat Richard Haass. “But it won’t be simple. There’s no neat ending here.”

Allies split on potential talks

Reaction abroad has been muted but telling.

Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock cautiously welcomed any “serious effort” to de-escalate, while urging the U.S. to “consult closely with NATO allies.” France’s President Emmanuel Macron, who himself tried shuttle diplomacy with Putin in early 2022, has remained silent so far.

Ukraine, meanwhile, is treading carefully.

A spokesperson for Zelensky’s office said the Ukrainian president is “committed to peace with dignity” but would not agree to any terms that compromise the country’s territorial integrity.

One sentence, crystal clear.

Still no guarantees—Trump’s style looms large

The possibility of back-to-back meetings with both Putin and Zelensky reflects a very Trumpian style of diplomacy: bold, unpredictable, and image-driven.

But Trump’s track record with diplomacy has always walked a fine line between breakthrough and breakdown. Think Kim Jong-un. Think Erdoğan. Think Xi.

It’s not always about the details. Sometimes, it’s about the headline.

And while no one’s doubting the importance of dialogue, analysts are already questioning the groundwork.

“There’s no framework, no agreed pre-conditions, no coordination with the State Department—yet,” said a former U.S. ambassador to NATO. “That’s not diplomacy. That’s theater.”

Still, even theater has its moments.

What we know so far

Here’s a summary of key facts surrounding the potential meeting:

As of now, it’s a diplomatic draft—not a deal.