British Prime Minister welcomes Zelensky in London on the eve of a US-Russia meeting
Trilateral Summit with Putin, Zelensky, and Trump in Preliminary Stages
In a significant development, former President Donald Trump has initiated discussions for a trilateral summit involving Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The proposed meeting, which Trump expressed optimism about during a White House summit on August 18, 2025, could potentially mark the first time Putin sets foot on Western soil since his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
However, as of late August 2025, no formal agreement or schedule for the meeting has been set. Russian officials have only confirmed discussions about increasing the level of Russian and Ukrainian representation in negotiations but have not confirmed any meeting with Zelensky. Trump Administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have emphasized the goal of a full peace deal rather than just a ceasefire, underscoring ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring both sides together under an agreement.
Meanwhile, Zelensky has been seeking support from European leaders. He joined a call with Trump and European leaders from Berlin, demonstrating a united stance against Russia. A stepped-up Russian offensive has heightened fears that Trump and Putin could strike a deal that forces painful concessions on Ukraine.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed optimism about a viable way of bringing the conflict to a ceasefire, citing the work of the US president as a key factor. Starmer also stated that Ukraine's military backers, the so-called Coalition of the Willing, have drawn up workable military plans in case of a ceasefire and are ready to add pressure on Russia through sanctions.
Trump has warned of his impatience with Putin and suggested that a second meeting might not occur if he does not receive satisfactory answers. The invasion has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people, and the ongoing war in eastern Ukraine continues to pose a significant threat to regional stability.
As the world watches, the stage is set for potential diplomatic breakthroughs or further escalations. The trilateral summit, if it does materialize, could potentially mark a turning point in the long-running conflict in Ukraine.
[1] The Washington Post, "Trump Pushes for Trilateral Summit with Putin and Zelensky," August 19, 2025. [2] CNN, "Trump Administration Pursues Full Peace Deal in Ukraine," August 21, 2025. [3] BBC News, "Trump Hints at Decision on Ukraine Peace Talks within Two Weeks," August 24, 2025.
Despite the ongoing war and conflicts in Ukraine, political negotiations for a potential trilateral summit remain, with former President Trump, Russian President Putin, and Ukrainian President Zelensky in discussion. In the realm of general news, a ceasefire, backed by military allies like the Coalition of the Willing, is being considered to de-escalate the situation, with such a development also playing a significant role in the decentralized finance [defi] sector, potentially influencing the economic stability of the region. The future of this war could be impacted by fire-side chats, diplomatic maneuvers, and global politics.