By Esther Ososanya
A meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been agreed to “in principle,” according to Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov.
The summit could happen as early as next week, just as a White House deadline approaches for Moscow to show tangible steps toward ending the war in Ukraine or face new sanctions.
Ushakov ruled out Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s participation in the summit, despite earlier White House suggestions that Trump was open to it.
“We propose, first of all, to focus on preparing a bilateral meeting with Trump,” Ushakov said, adding that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s idea of involving Zelenskyy “was not specifically discussed.”
It remains unclear how the summit will affect Friday’s deadline set by Trump for Russia to halt hostilities or risk heavy economic penalties.
This would mark the first direct U.S.–Russia presidential meeting since 2021, when former President Joe Biden met Putin in Geneva.
Zelenskyy Reacts, Pushes for Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said he planned to speak with European leaders to discuss next steps.
“A ceasefire and long-term security guarantees are priorities,” he stated on social media, adding that Russian attacks on civilians have continued unabated.
A recent strike in Ukraine’s Dnipro region killed four and injured eight more, according to Zelenskyy.
READ ALSO: Egypt Pushes 800 Aid Trucks to Gaza as Over 3,000 Tons Await Clearance
A new Gallup poll released Thursday shows that only one in four Ukrainians now support fighting until victory, a sharp drop from 2022, when nearly three-quarters held that view.
Seven in ten respondents now say Ukraine should pursue a negotiated settlement as soon as possible.
Most Ukrainians remain sceptical about a quick end to the conflict: only 25% believe fighting could stop within the next year.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
