European leaders are expected to visit the United States early next week to discuss potential solutions to the ongoing war in Ukraine, US President Donald Trump has announced. The high-level discussions, likely to take place on Monday or Tuesday, aim to explore new diplomatic and economic strategies to pressure Russia into ending its full-scale invasion.
Trump also revealed plans to speak directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin “soon,” signaling a renewed push for dialogue amid escalating hostilities. He hinted that the US is preparing a second phase of sanctions targeting Moscow, following what he described as “deep concern” over recent Russian aggression.
The announcement comes in the wake of Russia’s largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began in 2022. At least four people were killed, and for the first time, Ukraine’s main government building in Kyiv was struck. Russia reportedly launched over 800 drones and a dozen missiles during the attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the prospect of tougher US sanctions and urged European countries to completely cut ties with Russia, particularly in energy trade. “We have to stop buying any kind of energy from Russia. We can’t have any deals with them if we want to stop them,” Zelensky told ABC News.
He also expressed support for proposed US tariffs on countries that continue trading with Russia. “That’s the right idea,” he said, referring to secondary sanctions meant to deter global support for the Russian economy.
Since the beginning of the war, Russia has earned nearly $1 trillion from oil and gas exports, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. China and India remain the top buyers, while the European Union has pledged to stop all purchases by 2027.
In response to India’s ongoing imports of Russian oil, the US recently imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods. Despite criticism, India insists on prioritizing its own economic interests.
Meanwhile, Russia is deepening energy ties with China and increasing gas exports, as confirmed during a recent meeting in Beijing.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the need for greater EU cooperation on secondary sanctions. “If Europe joins us, the Russian economy could collapse—and that may finally bring Putin to the negotiating table,” he said.
The outcome of these diplomatic meetings may prove pivotal in shaping the next phase of the war.
