President Donald Trump is actively pursuing a high-stakes diplomatic effort to hold separate and potentially joint meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to the White House. The proposed talks would exclude European leaders, marking a shift toward more unilateral U.S. mediation in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
“President Trump is open to meeting with both President Putin and President Zelensky,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed earlier this week. She added that the president believes such discussions “could create a pathway to peace if the right conditions are met.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, echoed the administration’s openness but emphasized that any meetings must be “productive and worth doing.” He added, “A lot has to happen before that can occur, including progress toward a credible ceasefire. This is not about headlines. It’s about outcomes.”
Tariff Pressure on India
Trump’s renewed diplomatic push comes amid a dramatic escalation in trade measures. On August 6, the president signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% ad valorem tariff on imports from India, citing the country’s continued direct and indirect purchases of Russian oil.
“India cannot benefit economically while indirectly financing aggression,” Rubio said. “These tariffs are a message that economic cooperation must align with shared security priorities.”
The tariffs are scheduled to take effect 21 days after the order’s signing, with exemptions for goods already in transit.
Moscow Talks Pave Way
The push for new negotiations follows a rare three-hour meeting in Moscow between Kremlin officials and Trump’s personal envoy, real estate developer Steve Witkoff. According to the Wall Street Journal, the meeting focused on laying groundwork for potential summit-level diplomacy.
While the Kremlin did not confirm concrete outcomes, the tone was notably more constructive than previous encounters. Rubio said that Putin had “presented concrete examples of conditions that could be interpreted as an opening,” though he stressed that the U.S. remains cautious.
Uncertain Path Forward
Trump’s proposal to bypass European partners has already drawn mixed reactions from international allies. However, administration officials argue that streamlining the process may offer better chances of brokering results.
Still, Rubio insisted that European coordination remains vital. “We are not ignoring our allies,” he said. “We are trying to create space where meaningful diplomacy is possible. That includes keeping partners informed and engaged.”
What’s Next
According to the executive order, other countries that import Russian oil may soon face similar tariffs. Rubio confirmed that the Departments of State, Treasury, and Commerce are reviewing trade practices of additional nations.
“The door is open for diplomacy,” Rubio concluded. “But it must be walked through with seriousness, accountability, and a real interest in ending this war.”
