US President Donald Trump has suggested that a major agreement involving Russia, Ukraine and broader European security issues could be close, following a White House meeting hosted by First Lady Melania Trump between officials from the two warring nations.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump disclosed that he held an unscheduled meeting with Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, after a diplomatic event organised by the first lady. He described their discussions as significant but declined to reveal details.
According to Trump, the deal under discussion could extend beyond the conflict in Ukraine and have implications for Europe as a whole.
His comments come ahead of planned trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi, marking the first such meeting since February. The remarks are also likely to intensify concerns among some Ukrainian and European officials about Washington’s recent engagement with Moscow.
During the White House event, Melania Trump called for efforts to transform a temporary ceasefire into a lasting peace arrangement.
The meeting followed a six-day localised truce in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky, an initiative in which the US first lady played a mediating role. Addressing participants, she urged both sides to build on the progress achieved and seek common ground in the interest of civilians affected by the war.
Melania also revealed that she was sending personal letters to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as part of efforts to sustain dialogue.
In recognition of her involvement in brokering the Oleshky ceasefire, Ukrainian authorities presented the first lady with a national honour. Russian envoy Dmitriev likewise expressed appreciation on behalf of Moscow, commending her humanitarian efforts.
The White House gathering also brought together Russian Human Rights Ombudsman Yana Lantratova and her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Lubinets, continuing contacts established during the ceasefire initiative.
Melania’s role in the diplomatic effort has expanded steadily since she announced in October 2025 that she had opened a private communication channel with Putin in an attempt to reunite children separated by the war.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he held extensive discussions with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner ahead of the upcoming Abu Dhabi negotiations.
Kushner confirmed holding meetings with Ukrainian, NATO and European officials in Brussels to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine and wider European security arrangements.
The renewed diplomatic engagements have raised hopes for progress toward ending the prolonged conflict, though reports of improving relations between Trump and Putin have also fuelled concerns in Kyiv that US policy may increasingly favour Moscow’s interests.
Officials have additionally indicated that economic and business cooperation between Washington and Moscow could form part of a broader settlement framework linked to resolving the war.
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