FACE SAVER

Trump hands Putin diplomatic coup as he puts ego before peace

- BY CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN US Editor

DONALD Trump is to hold face-to-face talks with Vladimir Putin on brokering a ceasefire in Ukraine, handing the Russian tyrant a diplomatic coup as he puts his ego before peace.

Putin has been largely isolated by Western powers since the 2022 invasion.

But Trump rekindled communications with the Kremlin after returning to office in January and their calls have continued.

Yesterday, many Ukrainians remained sceptical of the US President's ability or willingness to end the conflict on terms acceptable to Kyiv.

Preparations for the talks are under way, and although it was “difficult to say” how long they will take, the United Arab Emirates has been touted as a possible venue.

Yuri Ushakov, the Russian leader's foreign policy adviser, said: “The American side has suggested, and we have agreed in principle, to hold a high-level bilateral meeting, that is, a meeting between presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.”

While declining to name the venue, Ushakov said both sides had agreed on the location, but would “not be disclosing it at this time”.

A date has not yet been confirmed but the talks could be held next week.

"It is hard to say how much time the preparations for such an important meeting would take,” Ushakov added.