Trump to Meet Putin Quickly After Taking Office

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly after his inauguration next week. The meeting would mark the first interaction between the leaders since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, a conflict that has caused widespread devastation, displaced millions, and severely strained Russia-West relations.

While Trump did not provide a specific timeline for the meeting, he emphasized its urgency, stating, "I know he wants to meet, and I’m going to meet very quickly. I would’ve done it sooner, but some things require being in office." His remarks came during an interview with Newsmax, where he also touched on the ongoing war, suggesting that Putin might be dissatisfied with how it has unfolded. "It hasn’t gone exactly well for him," Trump said.

Incoming U.S. national security adviser, Congressman Mike Waltz, hinted that a call between the two leaders could occur in the "coming days and weeks." Trump's strategy for resolving the war remains unclear, but he stressed that ultimate decisions rest with Putin.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to significant global consequences, including tens of thousands of deaths and the largest rift between Moscow and Western nations since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. As Trump prepares to assume office, his approach to handling the crisis will likely shape the next phase of U.S.-Russia relations and the broader international response to the conflict.

Trump's comments highlight the importance of diplomacy amid one of the most critical global challenges of recent years, with the world closely watching how his administration navigates the path toward peace.