Trump Meets Putin Envoy, Predicts Ukraine Deal Soon

US President Donald Trump said he met privately with Russian President Vladimir Putin's envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, on Thursday at the White House. The meeting occurred after Dmitriev appeared with representatives from Ukraine at an event organized by US first lady Melania Trump. Trump did not disclose the details of his discussion with Dmitriev but expressed optimism about a potential deal to end the conflict in Ukraine.

A US delegation is scheduled to mediate talks between Russian and Ukrainian representatives in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11. Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, said the war in Ukraine was close to being settled and that a deal might involve all of Europe. He described the potential agreement as "a big, beautiful agreement" that would make everyone "thrilled." This is not the first time Trump has predicted a swift resolution to the conflict.

Trump said he did not meet with the Ukrainian delegation on Thursday. However, his envoy, Jared Kushner, reported "productive and substantive discussions" with Ukraine, NATO, and European partners in Brussels on Thursday. They discussed security guarantees for Ukraine and a broader European security architecture. Kushner outlined five principal goals for the negotiations, including permanent security consultations and reciprocal measures to reduce escalation risks.

The talks, according to Kushner, aimed to establish an enduring framework for long-term European security and stability. He emphasized that any arrangements must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every nation. Each country would retain authority over its own security and alliances, with no country having a veto over another's sovereign choices. NATO would remain central to European collective defense.

The event where Dmitriev and Ukrainian representatives met was organized by Melania Trump to mark a six-day ceasefire in the Russian-controlled city of Oleshky. The ceasefire, which expired on Sunday, was brokered by Melania Trump, who said she was involved in every stage of the planning. She handed letters addressed to Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to the visiting delegations.

During the event, Dmitriev gave Melania Trump a drawing of pink hearts from an Oleshky girl, while the Ukrainians presented her with a state award for her efforts in saving Ukrainian people and returning children. The meeting marked the first in-person contact between Russian and US officials since Tuesday's midterm elections, which saw Democrats gain control of Congress.

The Democratic majority in Congress, starting in January, is expected to push for more aid to Ukraine and question Trump's decisions on Russia, including a diesel deal and easing sanctions. Despite this, the Kremlin hopes Trump will continue his peacemaking efforts. Preparations are underway for a potential meeting between Putin, Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in China this month.

Key points

• Trump predicts a deal to resolve the Russian war in Ukraine could emerge soon.
• A US delegation will mediate talks between Russian and Ukrainian representatives in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11.
• Melania Trump played a key role in brokering a six-day ceasefire in the Russian-controlled city of Oleshky.