With only a few days left before Donald Trump takes the oath of office as the President of the United States, he has made a bold announcement regarding a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump revealed on Thursday that preparations are underway for the meeting, following expressions of interest from Putin.

According to AFP, Trump stated that Putin is eager for the talks and arrangements are being made to facilitate the meeting. While no official details have been disclosed, speculation suggests that the discussions may center on the ongoing war in Ukraine. During his campaign, Trump pledged to establish peace in Ukraine, and this meeting may signal an initial step toward fulfilling that promise.

Throughout his campaign, Trump was vocal in criticizing the significant military aid the United States has sent to Kyiv under President Joe Biden’s administration. He also questioned America’s continued involvement in NATO, casting doubt on its role in the Western military alliance. At the same time, Trump has alternated between criticizing and praising Putin, leading to mixed reactions in Washington.

While Trump has not outlined any specific proposals for a ceasefire or peace agreement, the possibility of his meeting with Putin has raised hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, concerns linger among Kyiv and its allies that any rapid peace settlement could come at a steep cost to Ukraine.

The United States, under President Biden, has been Ukraine’s largest wartime supporter, providing over $65 billion in military aid since February 2022. Trump’s critical stance on such aid and his comments about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he mockingly referred to as the “greatest salesman,” have fueled further speculation about his approach to resolving the conflict.

As Trump prepares to take office on January 20, the prospect of his engagement with Moscow introduces a new dynamic to U.S. foreign policy. While some view it as a step toward peace, others remain cautious about its implications for Ukraine and broader international relations.