The Kremlin has confirmed that its contacts with the administration of US President Donald Trump have intensified in recent weeks.
While Moscow has not provided details on the substance of these discussions, reports suggest that Russia is considering Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as potential venues for a high-profile meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
If such a summit takes place, it would mark a significant shift in US-Russia relations and could undermine previous Western efforts to diplomatically isolate Putin following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Moscow’s Official Statement on US-Russia Contacts
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the increased engagement between certain departments of the Russian and US administrations. Speaking to Russian state media, he stated:
“I can say that contacts at the level of certain departments do exist. Recently, they have intensified. I cannot provide any further details.”
Peskov’s comments follow earlier statements by Trump, who on 4 February claimed that the US was engaged in “very constructive negotiations” regarding Ukraine, involving both Russian and Ukrainian officials.
However, the nature and scope of these discussions remain unclear. The lack of transparency has fuelled speculation over whether the Trump administration is seeking to engage Moscow in a broader negotiation process that could impact Ukraine’s position in the ongoing war.
Ukraine’s Position and Diplomatic Challenges
Ukraine’s leadership has reacted cautiously to these developments. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stated that any negotiations involving Russia must not come at the expense of Ukrainian sovereignty or territorial integrity.
On 4 February, Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, held discussions with Michael Waltz, Trump’s newly appointed National Security Advisor. This marked the first publicly disclosed contact between Ukrainian officials and the new US administration. However, there is no indication that these talks led to any concrete policy commitments from Washington regarding Ukraine’s defence needs or future diplomatic strategy.
Despite repeated calls from Kyiv for continued military and financial support, Trump’s administration has signalled a more transactional approach to US foreign policy, prioritising diplomatic engagement with Moscow over military assistance to Ukraine. This stance has raised concerns within NATO and the European Union about Washington’s long-term commitment to Ukraine’s war effort.
Speculation Over a Trump-Putin Summit
Amid these developments, reports suggest that Moscow is actively considering Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as possible locations for a high-level summit between Trump and Putin. If this meeting materialises, it would be the first direct engagement between a US president and the Russian leader since the outbreak of full-scale war in Ukraine.
Such a meeting would have far-reaching implications. Since 2022, Western nations have sought to isolate Putin diplomatically, limiting high-level interactions with the Kremlin to discussions focused on Ukraine and security-related matters. A face-to-face meeting with Trump would not only break this isolation but could also legitimise Russia’s position in the ongoing conflict.
For Moscow, securing a meeting with the US president would be a significant diplomatic victory. It would demonstrate that despite efforts by Washington and its allies to marginalise Russia, Putin remains a key player in global geopolitics.
This development has raised concerns in Kyiv and European capitals. If Trump proceeds with the summit without imposing clear preconditions—such as Russian withdrawal from occupied Ukrainian territories—it could be perceived as a major concession to the Kremlin. Furthermore, it could encourage other Western leaders to re-engage with Moscow, further weakening the policy of diplomatic isolation that has been in place since the start of the war.
Potential Outcomes and Risks for Ukraine
For Ukraine, the prospect of a Trump-Putin summit presents several potential risks:
- Legitimisation of Putin on the Global Stage – A meeting with Trump could reinforce Putin’s image as an equal negotiating partner, undermining efforts to hold Russia accountable for its invasion.
- Shift in US Policy Towards Ukraine – Trump has previously criticised large-scale US military aid to Kyiv. If his administration prioritises diplomacy with Moscow over supporting Ukraine’s war effort, this could weaken Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
- Pressure on Ukraine to Make Concessions – There is concern that Trump may seek to push Ukraine into negotiations under terms favourable to Moscow. Previous statements by Trump’s advisers have suggested a preference for a ceasefire or territorial compromise, which Kyiv has firmly rejected.
- Impact on NATO and European Allies – If the US adopts a more conciliatory approach towards Russia, it could lead to divisions within NATO and weaken the alliance’s collective support for Ukraine. Some European leaders may see a Trump-Putin summit as a signal that they should also re-engage with Moscow.
Elections in Ukraine: A New Precondition for Peace Talks?
In addition to speculation over a potential summit, recent comments by Keith Kellogg, a former national security advisor and a key figure in Trump’s circle, have drawn attention. Kellogg has suggested that Ukraine should hold parliamentary and presidential elections following a ceasefire. He has even proposed a timeline, mentioning the end of 2025 as a possible date.
This proposal aligns with Moscow’s rhetoric, as Putin and other Russian officials have frequently questioned the legitimacy of Ukraine’s current government. By promoting elections as a precondition for further negotiations, Trump’s administration may be playing into Moscow’s strategy of delegitimising the Ukrainian leadership.
However, Ukrainian officials have dismissed these suggestions as unrealistic. Conducting elections while large portions of the country remain under Russian occupation and while millions of Ukrainians remain displaced is logistically and politically unfeasible. Moreover, under Ukrainian law, elections cannot take place under martial law, which remains in effect due to the ongoing war.
A Turning Point in US-Russia-Ukraine Relations?
The confirmation of intensified contacts between the Kremlin and the Trump administration marks a potential turning point in the geopolitical landscape of the Ukraine war.
While Kyiv remains committed to defending its sovereignty, the prospect of a Trump-Putin summit raises serious concerns about the direction of US foreign policy. If Trump engages with Putin without clear conditions, it could legitimise Russia’s actions and weaken Ukraine’s negotiating position.
At the same time, Moscow is likely to use these developments to its advantage, presenting any engagement with Washington as proof that Western efforts to isolate Russia have failed.
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