Putin-Trump Meeting “Absolutely Necessary” for Peace Talks on Ukraine War – Kremlin

Putin-Trump Meeting “Absolutely Necessary” for Peace Talks on Ukraine War – Kremlin
[Moscow, May 16, 2025]

A high-level meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump is “undoubtedly necessary,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow on Thursday, Peskov emphasized that bilateral relations, global issues, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict would be the central topics of such a potential meeting.

Peskov stated, “Such a meeting would be constructive and significant in the context of global politics. However, thorough preparations are needed to organize it properly.”

Meanwhile, during the final stop of his Middle East tour in the United Arab Emirates, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is willing to meet President Putin to help end the war in Ukraine. He said, “As soon as it can be set up, we will hold this meeting. The time to end this crisis is now.”

Trump claimed that Putin did not attend the most recent peace talks in Istanbul because Trump himself was not present. “When I said I wasn’t going, Putin didn’t go either. I understand that,” Trump remarked.

Trump noted that after completing his Gulf tour, he plans to return to the United States to visit his newborn grandchild. After that, he will be ready for talks with Putin.

The former president also commented on the situation in Gaza, saying, “We are monitoring the situation there. We will work to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Many people are starving, and the conditions are terrible. We will address it.”

He expressed optimism, stating, “The world is already becoming safer. In the next two to three weeks, it will be even more secure.”

Against this backdrop, international analysts believe the possibility of a Putin-Trump meeting is growing stronger. Such a meeting could potentially reinvigorate U.S.-Russia relations and open a new path toward resolving the Ukraine war.