Trump Towards Crucial Meetings With Zelensky, Putin: New Developments on Sanctions, Diplomacy and Ukraine Conflict

Donald Trump has announced the possibility of a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky next week, with the aim of stepping up diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine. During a press conference, Trump himself stressed the importance of the talks, which could be held in Washington. He also declared that he was ready to Double sanctions against Russia to speed up the end of hostilities.

Trump added that he will also speak with Vladimir Putin soon and that a meeting could take place as early as February or March. The probable confirmation of the meeting also comes from Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Russian State Duma, Leonid Slutsky. "February or March, let's not speculate, but let the leaders prepare properly and thoroughly, but it will happen soon“, Slutsky said.

Zelensky: “We always appreciate cooperation with President Trump"

Volodymyr Zelensky expressed confidence about the upcoming meetings, reiterating that “a lasting and solid peace will be closer” thanks to the cooperation with the United States. The Ukrainian president also stressed the importance of engaging with Trump before any possible negotiations with Putin. "It is not possible to talk about Ukraine without Ukrainians.i”, he said, confirming theintention to discuss strategic agreements on the exploitation of rare earths in exchange for American support.

The position of the Baltic and Nordic countries: more sanctions against Russia

As international leaders prepare for future meetings, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, Finland and Sweden have sent a joint letter to the G7, calling for intensifying sanctions against Russiaa. The proposal includes a cap on oil prices, new measures against Moscow's shadow fleet and further restrictions on Russian ships.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys, reiterated that "Achieving lasting peace requires weakening Russia's war-making capabilities“. During a meeting in Washington with US special envoy Joseph Kellogg, Budrys warned that a temporary truce would only give Russia time to rearm.

Mariupol: Russian Propaganda in Schools

Meanwhile, a Mariupol, city occupied by Russian forces, children are forced to write "letters of gratitude” to Russian soldiers. According to the Mariupol Municipality, these are an ideological manipulation operation to instill hatred towards everything Ukrainian. "The same 'defenders' destroyed the city and killed friends and relatives of these children“, the City Council declared.

Italian Ambassador to Kiev: Focus on Ukrainian Economic Integration

In another important development, Italian Ambassador to Ukraine Carlo Formosa took part in a high-level discussion on Ukraine's economic integration into the European Single Market. During the meeting, the crucial role of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) was underlined and the importance of greater harmonization of Ukrainian regulations with European production standards. La Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025, which will be held in Italy, will be a fundamental opportunity for define concrete strategies for the country's economic recovery

Bombings on Kherson and drone strikes on Kiev

Despite discussions on upcoming diplomatic and institutional meetings, hostilities on the ground continue unabated. Over the past 24 hours, Russian forces have attacked several Ukrainian regions, including Kherson, where a woman and her son were injured when an artillery shell set their home on fire. In Kiev, the Ukrainian military shot down 67 Russian drones, while an attack on Nova Kakhovka caused serious damage to buildings and infrastructure, including a gas pipeline and power lines.