Media: Trump intends to meet with Putin next week

US President Donald Trump expects to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as early as next week.

This is reported by The New York Times newspaper, citing sources.

According to the publication, Trump revealed his plans during a telephone conversation with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that took place on Wednesday. The conversation also included British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as well as US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff.

"Trump expects to meet with Putin, and shortly after that - to hold a trilateral meeting with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky," the article states.

It is still unclear whether Putin or Zelensky have agreed to Trump's plan, the newspaper writes.

The article notes that Trump has been trying for several months to provide Putin with an opportunity to sit at the negotiating table. But recently he publicly criticized the Russian leader, saying that he is simply trying to buy time after repeated conversations with Witkoff.

The special envoy's last visit to Moscow took place against the backdrop of the American leader's threat to impose secondary sanctions against Russia due to the lack of progress toward peace.