In a move that could dramatically reshape the diplomatic landscape of the Ukraine conflict, US President Donald Trump has instructed his team to “move fast” to organize a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a report from CNN published on August 6. The push for a summit follows a visit to Moscow by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who reportedly laid the groundwork for direct engagement between the two leaders.

According to two unnamed White House sources cited by CNN, Trump’s directive came shortly after Putin proposed a meeting during talks with Witkoff earlier in the day. The White House team, spurred by Trump’s urgency, began logistical preparations for the high-level engagement, which could potentially take place within weeks. While no exact location has been announced, CNN noted that formal discussions could begin as soon as next week.

The urgency surrounding the proposed summit reflects Trump’s eagerness to play a direct role in managing the geopolitical crisis that has embroiled Eastern Europe since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Speaking to reporters from the Oval Office, Trump expressed optimism about the Putin-Witkoff talks and reiterated his desire to engage the Russian leader personally.

“There is a good chance there could be a meeting very soon,” Trump said, adding that the groundwork had been laid for possible negotiations involving not just Russia and the US, but also Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump’s comments were echoed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who suggested that the upcoming diplomatic engagements could culminate in a trilateral summit involving Trump, Putin, and Zelensky. Rubio emphasized that such a meeting would depend on progress in the ongoing peace........

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