Trump’s Deadline For Russia Nears As Summit Plans Take Shape

 

President Donald Trump’s deadline for Russia to end its war in Ukraine or face sweeping new sanctions is set to expire Friday. Yet with potential peace talks on the horizon and sensitive trade negotiations with China underway, his next steps remain uncertain.

Earlier this week, Trump pledged to impose secondary sanctions targeting nations that continue purchasing Russian energy, including a 25% tariff on India set to take effect August 27. However, as discussions of a potential summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin gained traction, Trump appeared to soften his stance.

Asked Thursday whether the sanctions would move forward, Trump replied, “It’s going to be up to him,” referencing Putin. The comment reflected the complicated balancing act the administration now faces: maintaining pressure on Moscow while trying to keep diplomatic channels open.

Despite growing frustration with Putin, whom Trump has accused of playing games, the U.S. president appears eager to broker a peace deal. White House officials confirmed that preparations are underway for a possible summit with Putin, though key details — including the location, format, and timing — remain undecided.

The idea of a summit reportedly emerged during a meeting between Trump’s foreign envoy Steve Witkoff and the Russian leader. While the Kremlin claimed the proposal came from Trump, U.S. officials suggested the Russians initiated the idea. Either way, both sides have signaled interest, with the United Arab Emirates floated as a potential venue.

European leaders, meanwhile, remain wary. Some suspect Moscow may be using summit diplomacy as a stalling tactic to avoid further U.S. sanctions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been in close contact with European allies, coordinating a response to the evolving situation.

Trump has indicated he is open to a three-way summit with both Putin and Zelensky but said such a meeting is not a precondition for his talks with the Russian president. “They would like to meet with me, and I’ll do whatever I can to stop the killing,” he said Thursday.

The White House has also been exploring other sanctions options, including targeting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” — older tankers used to circumvent existing restrictions on oil exports — and tightening enforcement of existing sanctions.

Although Republican lawmakers and many European leaders support tougher measures, Trump is taking a wait-and-see approach. “We’re going to see what he has to say,” Trump said of Putin. “Very disappointed.”

The looming India tariff marks Trump’s first use of secondary sanctions. India, the second-largest buyer of Russian energy after China, has so far not responded publicly. China, too, could face similar penalties — a possibility Trump did not rule out despite ongoing trade talks. “It may happen. I don’t know. I can’t tell you yet,” he said.

With diplomacy and economic pressure now intertwined, the next few days will be crucial in determining how the U.S. proceeds — and whether Moscow’s war in Ukraine takes a new turn.