US President Donald Trump has announced that he is likely to meet with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky as early as next week, while also expressing his desire to engage in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future. Trump’s statement, made during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the White House on February 7, has sparked renewed speculation about the potential for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

Since his inauguration last month, Trump’s administration has consistently sent signals about exploring diplomatic avenues to bring an end to the Ukraine conflict. However, specific details regarding the framework of any negotiations have yet to emerge. Officials in Moscow have reacted with cautious optimism to Trump’s remarks, but the broader international community remains skeptical about the feasibility of a swift resolution.

During his conversation with the press, President Trump emphasized that his potential meeting with Zelensky would likely take place on American soil, noting, “I’m not going there.” While he did not specify the exact date or location, the meeting would mark the first in-person discussion between the two leaders since Trump assumed office. The anticipated discussions are expected to focus on US support for Ukraine, security concerns, and Ukraine’s economic future.

Trump also signaled that he would probably speak with Putin soon, reiterating his longstanding claim that the war in Ukraine would never have started had he been in office in February 2022. “I’d like to see that war end,” Trump said, adding, “President Putin........

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