Former President Donald Trump has indicated a possible meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the near future. During a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump told reporters that a meeting with Zelenskyy could occur "next week" or whenever the Ukrainian president is available. Trump specified that the meeting would likely take place in Washington, D.C., as he wouldn't be traveling to Ukraine.

In addition to the potential meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump also mentioned the possibility of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting their historically "very good relationship." Trump expressed sadness over the current conflict in Ukraine, implying that the situation would be different had he remained in office. He referenced his previous call for Putin to end the war and his threat of sanctions in a January 22nd post on Truth Social.

Trump and Zelenskyy last met in New York in September 2024. Trump's stance on the conflict echoes the sentiments of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who advocated for stronger sanctions against Russia during his confirmation hearing on January 16th.

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump's former envoy for Russia and Ukraine, believes that Trump is uniquely positioned to resolve the conflict, stating that Putin would only be willing to engage with Trump due to his perceived respect for the former president. This statement was made during an appearance on "Fox & Friends Weekend."