Moscow: In a major diplomatic development, the Kremlin has officially confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump will meet in the coming days, marking their first in-person talks since 2021. According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, preparations for the high-level meeting are underway, although the exact date and location remain undisclosed. The announcement has generated significant global interest, with many speculating on the potential outcomes of the long-anticipated summit.
The meeting was reportedly initiated by the United States, and both sides have agreed on its importance amid escalating global tensions, particularly surrounding the ongoing war in Ukraine. While U.S. officials previously floated a trilateral summit involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Russia has not agreed to such an arrangement, and current plans suggest the summit will be strictly bilateral.
The news follows a recent visit to Moscow by Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for President Trump, who met directly with President Putin. The discussions were described as "constructive" by both parties, and officials have characterized the diplomatic tone as “progress-oriented.” The visit appears to have laid the groundwork for the upcoming summit, with both sides indicating a willingness to explore common ground.
While diplomatic channels appear to be reactivating, tensions remain high. The United States continues to prepare for the imposition of secondary sanctions on nations that maintain economic ties with Russia, including China and India. Despite this, Trump has expressed a strong interest in facilitating a peace process involving both Moscow and Kyiv.
The confirmation of the summit has already impacted global markets. Russia’s MOEX stock index surged by approximately 4.5% following the news, and the ruble strengthened against major currencies. Energy markets also responded with moderate optimism. Brent crude prices edged up to $67.10 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate reached $64.55 per barrel. Investors appear cautiously optimistic about the possibility of diplomatic progress easing global instability.
The international community is closely watching how this high-stakes meeting will unfold. Analysts suggest the summit could mark the beginning of a diplomatic thaw or, alternatively, highlight the continuing divide between East and West. Much will depend on the tone of the discussions and the willingness of both leaders to make concessions.
The coming days are expected to provide further clarity on the meeting’s outcomes and its broader implications for global politics, economic stability, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.