Trump says he will meet Putin despite Kremlin’s refusal to talk to Kyiv

Donald Trump has said he’s willing to meet with Vladimir Putin even if the Russian president refuses to meet with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, contradicting earlier reports that a U.S.-Russia summit would require such a meeting first. The potential Trump‑Putin summit, reportedly being prepared by both sides, has raised concerns in Kyiv and across Europe, where leaders insist Ukraine must be part of any talks affecting its future. Putin has rejected direct talks with Zelenskyy for now, saying conditions aren’t right. Trump has recently taken a more critical stance on Russia’s actions in Ukraine, threatening new sanctions, though he remains open to direct negotiations, The Guardian has reported. A summit may take place soon, possibly in the UAE, but no date or format has been confirmed.