U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he will determine his stance on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war within the next two weeks, including the possibility of imposing sanctions on Russia.
Speaking in the Oval Office on August 22, Trump emphasized that he first wants to see whether Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet for negotiations. He suggested that a potential three-way meeting could involve himself joining after an initial discussion between the two leaders.
Trump stated that his upcoming decision could involve massive sanctions, tariffs, both, or no action, depending on the outcome of diplomatic efforts. He criticized a recent Russian attack on a U.S.-owned factory in Ukraine, which injured several workers, describing it as unacceptable.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov downplayed the possibility of a summit, stating that an agenda is not yet ready, while Zelensky accused Russia of actively obstructing a meeting. Trump described Putin and Zelensky as “like oil and vinegar,” highlighting the uncertainty of a potential summit.
Additionally, Trump announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take place in Washington, D.C., with speculation that Putin might attend depending on the progress of peace efforts.
