Trump’s Big Plan: Bringing Putin and Zelensky Together for Direct Peace Talks

International News: Tensions around the Ukraine war may soon see a new turn as US President Donald Trump announced plans for a trilateral summit on August 22. The meeting is expected to bring together Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Before this larger summit, Zelensky will visit Washington on August 18 for one-on-one talks with Trump. European leaders have also been invited to the White House for consultations.

Meeting Sequence and Reactions

Trump has made it clear that if the trilateral dialogue shows progress, he will arrange another direct round of talks with Putin. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed that the summit is scheduled right after Trump’s discussions with Zelensky. However, the Kremlin has not yet issued any official confirmation regarding Putin’s participation.

Peace Plan Under Consideration

Reports in Russian media suggest that Trump and Putin have already touched upon a possible peace framework. According to this idea, Ukraine would transfer the remaining territories of Donbas to Russia, including areas where Russian troops are not yet present. In return, two commitments would be offered: a nationwide ceasefire in Ukraine and security guarantees for both Ukraine and Europe.

The Alaska Dialogue

Earlier, on August 15, Trump and Putin held an extended meeting at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Alaska. The session lasted around three hours, beginning with private discussions in Trump’s limousine, followed by formal talks with their respective delegations. Putin was joined by top aide Yuri Ushakov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, while the American side included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Leaders Call Talks Constructive

Putin later said the conversation mainly focused on how to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Trump described the atmosphere as constructive and positive, hinting that both nations are willing to explore compromises. Following the Alaska meeting, Trump also spoke separately with Zelensky, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He stressed that it is time for Ukraine and Russia to move towards a lasting peace agreement.