Russia-Ukraine

The two leaders met at the White House on Thursday as they work to keep the U.S. on board with Western support for Ukraine, while helping to minimize trade tensions that present a risk to Germany’s economy.

President Donald Trump is trying to make headway on one of his campaign promises today: Ending the war in Ukraine.

The Kremlin confirmed President Putin will not attend Thursday’s Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul. U.S. President Trump is also skipping the summit, according to Reuters, despite urging Ukraine to accept the meeting.

President Trump has called for an “unconditional" 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and said the U.S. will impose sanctions if it’s not respected.

Former President Joe Biden also said it was a “difficult decision” to leave the U.S. presidential race in 2024 four months from Election Day to allow former Vice President Kamala Harris to challenge Trump.

The Russian-American woman was arrested in 2024 and convicted of treason on charges related to a donation of about $52 to a charity benefitting Ukraine.

Ukraine signed a major agreement granting the U.S. access to its valuable rare minerals in a strategic bid to secure continued American military aid.

This was the first face-to-face meeting for the two world leaders after their heated exchange in the Oval Office in February.

The president made the remarks as he seeks a resolution to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.