MOSCOW, RUSSIA | August 8, 2025
The Kremlin announced today that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump is set to take place in the coming days. The high-level talks come amidst a flurry of diplomatic activity and a looming deadline set by the Trump administration for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that “at the suggestion of the American side, an agreement was reached in principle to hold a bilateral summit meeting in the coming days.” The specific location for the meeting has reportedly been agreed upon, though it has not been publicly disclosed. However, President Putin has previously suggested the United Arab Emirates as a suitable neutral venue.
The announcement follows President Trump’s recent ultimatum, demanding that Russia show tangible progress toward ending the war by August 8th or face further economic penalties. This direct engagement is seen as a significant development, marking the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since 2021.
While the primary focus is on a bilateral meeting, a White House official has stated that President Trump remains open to a trilateral meeting that would also include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, Russian aides have indicated that a three-way summit was not specifically discussed. The international community, including analysts in Moscow, is closely watching the situation, with many hoping that the summit will lead to a lasting peace, even as skepticism remains about the ability to bridge the significant gaps between Russia and Ukraine’s demands.
