U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced on January 13 that he intends to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin "very quickly" after taking office, adding that the Russian leader is eager for the meeting as well.
Speaking to Newsmax, Trump reiterated his campaign promise to end Russia's war against Ukraine, which is nearing its third anniversary. While he initially claimed he could resolve the conflict in just 24 hours, he recently extended the timeline to as long as six months.
"Putin wants to meet because the war hasn’t gone well for him either," Trump said. "I know he wants to meet, and I’m going to meet him very quickly."
Trump also emphasized the devastating toll of the war, saying Ukraine is "being decimated" and both Russian and Ukrainian soldiers are dying "in large numbers."
Plans for a Trump-Putin Meeting
The Kremlin has already indicated Putin’s willingness to meet Trump once he takes office, though a specific date has yet to be set.
Neutral countries such as Switzerland and Serbia have expressed openness to hosting an in-person meeting between the two leaders.
According to Trump’s incoming national security advisor, Mike Waltz, a phone call between Trump and Putin is also expected "in the coming days and weeks."
Trump has drawn criticism for his perceived sympathies toward Putin and for questioning the Biden administration's strong support for Ukraine. Critics worry the incoming administration could strike a deal unfavorable to Kyiv.
Keith Kellogg, Trump’s designated peace envoy for Ukraine, defended the president-elect’s approach, saying the goal is not to "give something to Putin or the Russians" but to "save Ukraine and its sovereignty."
Although specific peace proposals are still being finalized, one leaked pitch from Trump’s team has already been rejected by Russia. The plan reportedly included freezing current front lines, delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership by 20 years, and deploying European peacekeepers on the ground.
