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Trump Plans Ceasefire Summit With Putin Next Week Amid Threat of New Sanctions
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President Donald Trump intends to meet Russian leader Vladimir V. Putin as soon as next week to push for a ceasefire in Ukraine, according to The New York Times article published on August 6.
The planned in-person summit would mark a critical step in Trump’s escalating pressure campaign on Moscow ahead of an August 8 deadline for Russia to halt hostilities or face expanded US sanctions.
The New York Times reports that Trump has conveyed his intention to both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders, suggesting the meeting could finalize ceasefire terms if Russia shows willingness to engage. “If Putin refuses, we’ll go to sanctions,” Trump told aides, as quoted by the New York Times.
The initiative follows a visit by Trump’s personal envoy, developer Steven Witkoff, who met privately with Putin in Moscow on Monday. While the White House has not formally confirmed the timing or venue, internal planning for the possible summit is underway, US officials told the Times.
Despite the Kremlin’s attempt to downplay the significance of the visit, Russian state media emphasized Witkoff’s close ties to Trump. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that any dialogue must be based on mutual respect and consideration of Russian interests.
If held, the meeting would be Trump’s first face-to-face encounter with Putin since retaking office in January 2025. While European allies have been briefed, several have expressed concern over the pace and unilateral nature of the talks.
One senior European diplomat told the Times, “There’s concern about Trump freelancing on Ukraine.”
Earlier, it was reported that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was expected to travel to Moscow on August 6 or 7 to press for a ceasefire before Trump’s self‑imposed deadline of August 8, threatening expanded sanctions if no agreement was reached.
