Former U.S. President Eyes Summit with Russian, Ukrainian Leaders for Ceasefire

The has indicated a strong possibility of meeting with both the Russian President and the Ukrainian President in the near future. This potential summit is part of ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The mentioned during a conversation with allies that a summit is being considered, and there is optimism regarding the possibility of a ceasefire. This optimism is partly based on the suggestion that the Russian President may be willing to engage in negotiations in exchange for territorial concessions.

During a press conference, the stated that while the path to a resolution is long and challenging, there is a high likelihood of a meeting taking place soon. This comes after a three-hour meeting between the Russian President and the 's envoy, Witkoff, in Moscow. The also mentioned that the location of the potential summit is still undecided, but the Middle East is being considered as a possible venue. The and the Russian President previously held a face-to-face meeting in Finland in 2018.

Despite the progress made, the and other officials reiterated their stance on imposing additional tariffs on trading partners who purchase Russian energy, as a means to pressure Moscow. Earlier in the day, the announced a 25% additional tariff on goods from a certain country due to its continued purchase of Russian energy. This tariff is set to take effect in 21 days. The also mentioned that the discussions held today were productive, although he did not directly link this to the tariff announcement.

American officials are considering further actions to disrupt energy sales, with the stating that there are more secondary sanctions in the pipeline. The 's administration is also reportedly considering new sanctions against Moscow's secret oil tanker fleet and several entities supporting these operations. The Russian government has not provided much comment on the three-hour meeting, with a foreign policy aide stating that signals were exchanged regarding Ukraine, but no further details were given.