Donald Trump has backtracked on his earlier statement that he would only meet with Vladimir Putin if Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also present at the summit. This comes as a US deadline for Moscow to avoid additional sanctions looms.
Putin expressed hope on Thursday that he could meet with the US president next week, with the potential meeting taking place in the United Arab Emirates. Mr Putin’s announcement comes on the eve of a White House deadline for Moscow to demonstrate progress towards ceasing its three-year-old war in Ukraine or face further economic sanctions.
Trump clarified on Thursday that Mr Putin does not necessarily have to meet with Zelenskyy in order for a meeting between them to take place. Sky News US correspondent David Blevins stated that it is difficult to predict the likelihood of a meeting given the number of unanswered questions, including whether Russia is more inclined towards a ceasefire or if Putin is willing to sit down with Zelenskyy.
Two White House officials have confirmed to Sky News that secondary sanctions on Russia are still expected to be implemented on Friday. Meanwhile, Trump announced on his Truth Social account that leaders from Azerbaijan and Armenia will be visiting the White House for a peace signing ceremony on Friday.
Trump has expressed his desire to see the Ukraine war end, claiming he could do so within the first 24 hours of his presidency. However, he has been frustrated since returning to office.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/trumps-ukraine-deadline-for-putin-arrives-as-uncertainty-remains-over-possible-meeting-13408418
