Vue lecture

For Putin, Trump Summit Is Key to Securing Ukraine Goals

The Russian leader sees direct talks with Trump as essential to achieving his ultimate aims in Ukraine.

© Pool photo by Mikhail Metzel

In a photo released by state media, President Vladimir V. Putin attends a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on Tuesday.
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With Sanctions Looming, Trump’s Envoy to Russia Meets With Putin

The envoy, Steve Witkoff, passed along “signals” from President Trump, according to an aide to President Vladimir V. Putin. Mr. Witkoff was making his fifth visit to Russia this year.

© Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times

Steve Witkoff in New Jersey last month.
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Trump Tells Russian Official to ‘Watch His Words,’ but He Bites Back Instead

The former Russian president Dmitri Medvedev offers President Trump a useful foil to criticize without rebuking Vladimir Putin, one analyst said.

© Ekaterina Shtukina/Sputnik, via Reuters

Dmitri Medvedev, Russia’s former president who now serves in a largely symbolic role, frequently wields nuclear threats against the West on social media.
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