Trump Forecasts Wide-Range European Pact After Putin Envoy Visit
The President met with Kirill Dmitriev at a White House event honoring a local ceasefire, days before US mediators convene in Abu Dhabi.
By Dominic Foster ·
President Donald Trump met privately with Kirill Dmitriev, the envoy from Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Thursday. The meeting took place after Dmitriev appeared alongside Ukrainian representatives at a White House gathering organized by First Lady Melania Trump. Trump declined to share the specific topics of their conversation but stated he anticipates a deal to resolve the war in Ukraine soon.
Trump told reporters the conflict is near a settlement and that the final agreement may extend beyond Ukraine’s borders. He described the potential pact as a large and beautiful arrangement that could involve all of Europe. The President has frequently claimed an end to the conflict is imminent, though diplomatic efforts have intensified in recent weeks.
A US delegation is set to mediate talks in Abu Dhabi from November 10 to 11. These discussions will bring together representatives from Russia and Ukraine. Trump noted that he did not meet with the Ukrainian delegation during the Thursday event.
Jared Kushner, the President’s envoy, detailed the progress of parallel talks held in Brussels. US officials engaged in productive discussions with Ukraine, NATO, and European partners regarding security guarantees. Kushner outlined five primary goals for the negotiations. These include permanent security consultations, reliable crisis communications, greater military transparency, reciprocal measures to reduce escalation risks, and a durable framework for long-term European security. He emphasized that the arrangements must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every nation involved.
The White House event marked a rare face-to-face interaction between Russian and Ukrainian officials. It commemorated a six-day ceasefire in the Russian-controlled city of Oleshky, a deal that expired on Sunday. Melania Trump stated that she was involved in every stage of the planning for that temporary truce, including reviewing aerial images and assessing roadways and hospital access. Ukrainian lawmaker David Arakhamia and human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets attended the ceremony and urged the First Lady to continue her peace efforts.
Both delegations presented gifts to the First Lady. Dmitriev gave her a drawing of pink hearts from a girl in Oleshky. The child chose to live with her family in Russia, a reference to the ongoing dispute over displaced Ukrainian children. The Ukrainians presented a state award recognizing her efforts to save people and return children to their families. Trump, who did not attend the event, previously praised his wife’s role in the Oleshky ceasefire, stating she performs better than professionals.
This visit marked the first in-person contact between Russian and US officials since Tuesday’s midterm elections. Democrats ousted Republicans from control of Congress, a result widely expected to shift policy on Ukraine aid. The Kremlin has expressed hope that Trump will continue his peacemaking efforts despite the Republican defeat. Preparations are also underway for a meeting between Putin, Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen later this month.
Dmitriev has facilitated the release of American detainees in Russia and the reunification of Ukrainian children with their families. He previously met with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, in the White House in 2025. His involvement in the Oleshky humanitarian operation adds to his role as a key liaison in current diplomatic channels.
