US President Donald Trump has suggested that a major agreement involving Russia, Ukraine and Europe could be close, following an unexpected meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s envoy at the White House.
Trump disclosed that he had spoken with Kirill Dmitriev after his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, hosted representatives from Russia and Ukraine for discussions focused on the humanitarian situation arising from the ongoing war.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump described the potential agreement as a major development that would extend beyond the conflict in Ukraine.
Trump Hints at Sweeping Agreement With Russia
The US president declined to disclose details of his conversation with Dmitriev but indicated that negotiations could produce an agreement involving several European countries.
“I can’t tell you what I discussed. But I’m just telling you, it’s going to be an agreement, it’s going to be a big agreement,” Trump said.
He added that the proposed deal could involve the whole of Europe, describing it as a major agreement that would leave everyone satisfied.
Trump also confirmed that he had not held discussions with the Ukrainian representatives who attended the White House meeting.
His remarks have raised concerns among Ukrainian and European officials about the possibility of Washington reaching a broader understanding with Moscow, potentially affecting the American military presence in Europe and Russia’s influence across the continent.
The comments come ahead of the planned resumption of three-way negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi next week.
The discussions will be the first since February.
Melania Calls for Lasting Ceasefire Between Russia and Ukraine
While her husband discussed the possibility of a wider agreement, Melania Trump focused on securing a lasting ceasefire between the two countries.
The first lady hosted Russian and Ukrainian officials at the White House, seeking to build on a six-day temporary truce previously established in the Ukrainian town of Oleshky, which is under Russian occupation.
Addressing the representatives, she urged both sides to build on the humanitarian cooperation that made the temporary ceasefire possible.
“Now we must use the courage we brought to Oleshky to find common ground through a shared concern for the suffering of innocent people,” she said.
“Together, we can create something more enduring than a temporary ceasefire.”
Melania also disclosed that she was sending personal letters to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky through the visiting representatives.
Zelensky Recognises First Lady’s Humanitarian Efforts
Ukraine has recognised Melania Trump’s involvement in securing the temporary ceasefire in Oleshky.
President Zelensky awarded her a national honour in recognition of her role, with a Ukrainian official personally presenting the award during Thursday’s White House gathering.
Dmitriev also expressed appreciation on behalf of Putin, thanking the first lady for what he described as her distinguished humanitarian contribution.
The meeting brought together Russia’s human rights ombudsman, Yana Lantratova, and Ukraine’s human rights commissioner, Dmytro Lubinets.
Lantratova, who is under British sanctions, and Lubinets had previously established an unexpected working relationship during the six-day ceasefire in Oleshky.
Melania’s Private Diplomatic Channel With Putin
The first lady’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict has expanded since October 2025, when she revealed that she had established a private communication channel with Putin.
Her initial intervention focused on reuniting children separated from their families by the war.
She has since continued her diplomatic engagement through humanitarian initiatives, maintaining a relatively low public profile compared with her husband’s more prominent efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict.
Donald Trump had previously promised to end the war within 24 hours of taking office, although his attempts to secure an agreement have experienced several setbacks.
The president has also openly campaigned for a Nobel Peace Prize while continuing his efforts to negotiate an end to the fighting.
Zelensky Holds Preparatory Discussions With US Envoys
Ahead of the upcoming negotiations in Abu Dhabi, Zelensky confirmed that he had spoken with American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The Ukrainian president described the discussion as a detailed 90-minute conversation.
Kushner also disclosed that he had met Ukrainian, NATO and European representatives in Brussels to discuss security arrangements for Ukraine and the wider European region.
He said the discussions covered security guarantees for Kyiv and the development of a broader European security architecture.
The planned negotiations have renewed expectations of progress towards ending the war, although Trump’s improving relationship with Putin has raised questions about the future direction of American support for Ukraine.
Washington Reportedly Explores Business Opportunities With Moscow
Alongside discussions about ending the conflict, Washington has reportedly been considering potential commercial agreements with Russia as part of a broader settlement involving Ukraine.
Trump’s latest comments about a deal extending beyond Ukraine have added another dimension to the diplomatic discussions, which are expected to continue when Russian, Ukrainian and American representatives meet in Abu Dhabi next week.
