Trump plans talks with Putin as sanctions loom

The White House weighs tougher sanctions on Russia while exploring a possible Putin meeting amid delicate China trade talks.

Trump plans talks with Putin as sanctions loom

With the deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine approaching, the White House is weighing new sanctions while signaling openness to a face to face meeting with Vladimir Putin. President Trump has floated secondary sanctions on countries that buy Russian energy, but officials caution about the impact and enforceability of such steps. The combination of pressure and diplomacy creates a delicate moment for Ukraine policy, as allies weigh how hard to press Moscow while keeping hope for talks alive.

Details remain unsettled. Washington has not finalized the format, date, or venue for any summit, and European officials warn that a meeting could be used by Moscow to stall or legitimize the conflict. Putin has hinted at a venue in the Middle East, while a trilateral format with Zelensky has not been ruled out. The administration notes that India will be affected by new duties while China remains central to energy and trade talks, adding to the complexity of enforcement and leverage. The 25 percent tariff on India is set to take effect later this month as punishment for buying Russian oil.

The moment tests the oscillating logic of crisis management: apply punishment to shape behavior, yet keep doors open for dialogue that could ease the pressure. A potential Putin summit could calm nerves or stall progress, depending on what is said and who frames the outcome. The gamble hinges on perception as much as policy.

Economically, the mix of sanctions and diplomacy risks sending mixed signals to markets and allies. If Washington pushes too hard, Moscow could pull away; if it slows the pace, Kyiv could lose confidence. The administration is balancing domestic politics, alliance diplomacy, and the practical limits of sanctions power as the Ukraine war drags on.

Highlights

The next moves will reveal whether pressure or dialogue dominates the path forward.