The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump’s scheduled meeting with Vladimir Putin has been called off, signaling a potential redirection in U.S. efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Dissatisfied with the outcomes of his prior engagements with the Russian President, Trump is now turning his diplomatic attention to Chinese President Xi Jinping, hoping Beijing can play a pivotal role. Trump reportedly stated that while his conversations with Putin have been positive, they have failed to achieve any progress towards peace.
With an upcoming summit with Xi Jinping on the horizon, Trump expressed optimism about the Chinese leader’s potential influence. He characterized Xi as a ‘respected man’ and a ‘very strong leader,’ suggesting that Xi’s counsel to Putin could be decisive. ‘I think he can have a big influence on Putin,’ Trump commented, indicating that the U.S. intends to discuss the Ukraine situation with China, leveraging Beijing’s relationship with Moscow to push for a resolution.
In parallel, the U.S. Treasury Department has tightened the economic screws on Russia by introducing new sanctions against its two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. This move aims to disrupt the financial streams supporting Russia’s military endeavors and bolster its weakened economic standing. The Treasury reiterated its dedication to a peaceful settlement, stressing that enduring peace hinges on Russia’s genuine commitment to negotiations. Secretary Scott Bessent affirmed that sanctions are a direct response to Putin’s refusal to cease hostilities and that further measures are on the table.
President Trump also indicated that India plans to halt its imports of Russian oil by the conclusion of the year, referencing a recent discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This announcement follows a prior remark by Trump about PM Modi’s commitment, which was later addressed by the Indian government.