What if peace in Ukraine came down to one meeting—one week from now? That’s exactly the gamble Donald Trump is making, and the world is holding its breath.
US President Donald Trump is racing to broker a historic trilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky, according to Axios and CNN. The meeting could happen as early as next Friday—if Zelensky’s Oval Office talks on Monday don’t fall apart first.
The move follows Trump’s surprise face-to-face with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska—their first direct encounter since Russia’s war in Ukraine erupted in 2022. Trump called the talks “warm.” Putin, characteristically blunt, labeled them “frank” and “substantive.”
But what followed revealed the high-wire stakes: a “not easy” phone call between Trump and Zelensky, which also pulled in several European leaders. According to reports, Trump bluntly told them he wants the trilateral meeting locked in—fast. At least one European leader may even show up in Washington for Zelensky’s Monday talks, though names are still under wraps.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump doubled down, confirming Zelensky’s visit and floating a potential follow-up with Putin. His stated goal: a genuine peace deal, not another flimsy ceasefire that crumbles in weeks.
Here’s the catch: Moscow has made its conditions crystal clear. For peace to stick, Ukraine would need to renounce NATO dreams, accept demilitarization, and recognize Russian control of Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye—territories annexed in referendums that the West calls illegitimate but Moscow insists are non-negotiable. Zelensky, for his part, has repeatedly rejected handing over land.
Trump, however, isn’t mincing words. In an interview with Fox News, he said Zelensky should “make the deal,” stressing that Putin “wants to see it done” and urging Europe to finally “get involved a little bit.”
The Kremlin, meanwhile, hasn’t ruled out direct talks with Zelensky—but only if there’s movement on the bigger settlement. Russian officials have also openly questioned Zelensky’s authority to strike any binding deal, noting his presidential term technically expired last year under martial law.
So, the stage is set: a possible showdown summit where Trump casts himself as peacemaker, Putin plays hardball, and Zelensky faces the impossible choice between survival and surrender. The world will soon learn whether this is bold diplomacy—or dangerous theater.
______________________________________________
🔴 Support Independent Journalism
This work is independently produced without corporate funding.
If you value it, a small donation helps keep it going and supports a senior creator continuing this work.
👉 Support here: I NEED Your Help Today