President Donald Trump said Thursday that he held a private meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy Kirill Dmitriev at the White House.
Trump addressed reporters in the Oval Office after the encounter, declining to detail the discussion but signaling optimism about ending the Russia-Ukraine war. "It's going to be an agreement. It's going to be a big agreement, and it's going to involve more than Ukraine... I could even say it might involve all of Europe," Trump stated. "It's going to be a big, beautiful agreement, and everyone's going to be thrilled."
Trump confirmed he did not meet with visiting Ukrainian officials who were also at the White House that day. The Russian envoy's visit occurred alongside an event hosted by First Lady Melania Trump marking a six-day localized ceasefire in the Russian-controlled Ukrainian city of Oleshky. The truce, which Melania Trump helped broker, allowed for civilian evacuations and aid deliveries before expiring November 1.
Dmitriev, speaking at the first lady's invitation, thanked her for her humanitarian efforts and noted that Putin personally supported the operation. Ukrainian representatives including lawmaker Davyd Arakhamia and human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets also attended the gathering.
The meetings come ahead of trilateral U.S.-Russia-Ukraine talks scheduled for November 10-11 in Abu Dhabi. Dmitriev's Washington visit marks the first in-person contact between Russian and U.S. officials since Democrats gained control of Congress in the recent midterms.
Trump has repeatedly emphasized his administration's push to resolve the conflict, which has now entered its fifth year. Previous administrations avoided inviting Russian officials to the White House for such discussions.
Dmitriev has played roles in past humanitarian efforts, including detainee releases and family reunifications. The Trump administration continues to pursue diplomatic channels to achieve a comprehensive settlement.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.