Trump sets conditions for Putin meeting, eyes China and Gaza talks
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Trump says he’ll meet Putin only if a Ukraine deal is likely, may discuss Russian oil with Xi, and signals Qatar-backed peace efforts in Gaza.
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President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt listens aboard Air Force One at Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, October 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
US President Donald Trump said he would only meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin if there is a clear path to a resolution in the Ukraine war.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, the United States president emphasized that he would not engage in a summit without knowing the outcome in advance.
"We have to know we are going to make a deal. I am not going to be wasting my time. I have always had a great relationship with Vladimir Putin," Trump said.
In an interview with US media, Russia's Direct Investment Fund CEO Kiril Dmitriev expressed confidence over a meeting between Putin and Trump, stating that Moscow is interested in ending the war in Ukraine as soon as possible.
Dmitriev said that the only possibility for the conflict to end is if Russia's interests are taken into account.
Read more: Putin seeks halt to Ukraine arms as condition for ceasefire: Bloomberg
Trump may discuss Russian oil with Xi Jinping
In a separate remark, Trump stated that he may raise the issue of reducing purchases of Russian oil in an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The comment comes as global attention focuses on energy ties between China and Russia amid Western sanctions.
"I may be discussing it … You probably saw today, China is cutting back substantially on the purchase of Russian oil," he told reporters.
These remarks highlight how Trump is positioning foreign policy, particularly on Russia, Ukraine, and China, as a central pillar of his international strategy ahead of potential talks with global leaders.
read more: US probes China's alleged violation of Phase One Trade Agreement
Trump comments on Gaza
Separately, following a meeting with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the US president also made comments on the situation in Gaza, stating that efforts to "stabilize the strip" are advancing and that an international force will be deployed there in due time.
“This should be an enduring peace,” Trump told reporters when asked about Gaza. He further stated that Qatar is willing to contribute peace-keeping troops if required, praising the Gulf nation as a key ally and important player in regional stability.
Read more: 'Israel's' post-ceasefire demolitions in Gaza violate agreement: Hamas
