• Trump may meet Putin as soon as next week, with talks also including Zelensky.
• The discussions follow a meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin.
• Trump emphasized the need to end the war in Ukraine during communications with European leaders.

US President Donald Trump is planning a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as early as next week, following a highly productive discussion relayed by White House special envoy Steve Witkoff. Trump is also open to a subsequent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, highlighting the urgency to conclude the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to Channel News Asia and ABC News.

The possibility of these meetings was discussed during a call between Trump and Zelensky, which included key NATO leaders. Trump is reportedly prepared to meet first with Putin, followed by a three-way discussion involving Zelensky, as noted by the White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt. The urgency of establishing a ceasefire has been emphasized, as Trump has set a deadline for Russia to show progress towards peace, according to South China Morning Post and ABC News.

In light of Witkoff's meetings, Trump expressed optimism, stating that "great progress was made" during discussions with European allies, reinforcing the consensus that the war must come to an end. His administration continues to prepare for sanctions against Russia’s trading partners should they not meet the expected benchmarks in the near future, according to Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.