Trump outlined this plan during a phone call with European leaders in recent days, according to people familiar with the matter. According to people on the call, participants included Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as well as NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The proposal appeared to have the support of European leaders. But the potential meeting place has not been finalised.

Russia did express interest in meeting with President Trump, confirmed White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She also said Trump is willing to he also said that Trump was prepared to speak out against both Putin and Zelenskyy, and it was all about stopping the war.

Weeping envoy meets Putin as deadline nears
On Wednesday, Trump's special envoy met with Putin for about three hours. The meeting was pushed for by both the key leaders, hoping to strike a decisive moment after Russia's launch of an all-out war on Ukraine since 2022. Afterwards, President Trump tweeted that the talks had gone well and that work will continue "much longer into the night."

Officials from the White House said additional sanctions on Russia -- known as secondary sanctions -- are expected to be implemented by Friday as well, an indication that pressure on Moscow is still forthcoming.

Russia must return vessel or face 'forceful response': Ukraine
Trump held at least two phone calls with Putin and has visited Zelenskyy since returning to the presidency in January. However, the president's patience with Russia seems to be wearing thin, but he has recently started vocally criticising Moscow for not doing enough to stop the war.

Putin responded by stating he sought a written guarantee that allow Russian gas exports to continue if Russia invades Ukraine Last month, Trump gave Russia until 50 days from now Hurry up or we will hit 100 per cent tariffs on imports from countries importing oil under any future deal The window has since been narrowed to 10 days — Russia must act by August 8. This gives the hosting country until midnight Friday to conclude all contracts and to apply for any necessary visa.

At the same time, Ukraine is demanding an immediate unilateral ceasefire. But Russia, which by controlling roughly one-fifth of Ukraine now effectively rules over its eastern flank, has stood fast in both appealing the ceasefire decision and rejecting Ukraine's demand for a cessation of hostilities.