US, Russia discuss Ukraine war deal before possible Trump-Putin summit
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Bloomberg reports US and Russia are in talks on a Ukraine peace deal recognizing Russian-held areas, with a Putin-Trump summit under consideration.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs the Security Council meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Friday, August 8, 2025 (Sputnik)
The United States and Russia are holding talks to reach an agreement aimed at ending the war in Ukraine and cementing the territorial realities established by Moscow during its military operation, Bloomberg reported on Friday.
According to the report, officials from both sides are discussing details related to the areas under Russian control, in preparation for a potential summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.
Putin said on Thursday that “it is possible the UAE will host my meeting with Trump.”
Lukashenko offers to host trilateral talks
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said his country is ready to organize direct negotiations between Putin, Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stressing that “Russia will not be defeated in Ukraine.”
According to the Belarusian news agency BelTA, Lukashenko stated that Putin and the Russian public want to achieve peace and that the Russian president is ready to negotiate. He added that Belarus would not engage in any negotiations with the US behind Russia’s back.
Putin says UAE suitable for talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that the United Arab Emirates is a suitable venue to host a meeting with Trump.
His remarks came during talks at the Kremlin with Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where the two leaders discussed regional affairs and bilateral cooperation.
Putin's comments align with recent reports that the Kremlin and US officials are working to finalize details for a summit between Putin and Trump, possibly taking place as early as next week.
According to sources cited by Reuters, the UAE is one of the leading candidates to host the event, given its neutral stance and strong diplomatic ties with both Moscow and Washington.
Regarding a potential meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Putin said he is not opposed in principle, but noted that "certain conditions must first be prepared," adding that "the current situation is far from ready for such a meeting."
US Envoy in Moscow for Pre-Summit Consultations
In a related development, President Putin held what the Kremlin described as "constructive" talks with US Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff in Moscow earlier this week.
The three-hour meeting focused primarily on the conflict in Ukraine and explored terms for a potential ceasefire agreement.
According to US media reports, the Trump administration has pushed for direct engagement with Russia to accelerate negotiations aimed at halting hostilities, with a view to bringing both Russia and Ukraine to the table, though Kiev has not confirmed its participation in any future summit.
As the groundwork for a Trump-Putin summit nears completion, European leaders are watching closely. Ukrainian President Zelensky has recently held consultations with EU allies, urging that any peace framework include Ukraine and respect its sovereignty, amid fears that a bilateral US-Russia deal could marginalize Kiev's interests.
