TRUMP PROMISES PUTIN–ZELENSKYY MEETING “VERY SOON”—AGAIN, NO DATE
“There’ll be a meeting set up very soon,” Donald Trump told reporters on 28 October, naming Putin and Zelenskyy and claiming progress toward ending Russia’s war. He provided no date or venue.
For Ukrainians listening through another night of air alerts, “very soon” has become an exhausting refrain. The promise to end the war in 24 hours has given way to months of anticipated breakthroughs, approaching meetings and announcements that peace is getting closer. Meanwhile, families still lose their homes, hospitals receive the wounded and emergency crews search through rubble.
Diplomatic contacts are continuing. Finland’s Alexander Stubb and Norway’s Jonas Gahr Støre spoke jointly with Putin on 27 October, pressing him to stop attacks on Ukrainian energy and infrastructure before briefing Zelenskyy. Ukrainian, American and Russian representatives are also preparing for November talks. A meeting between negotiating teams, however, is separate from a confirmed summit between the presidents.
The public deserves something concrete: an agreed date, clear objectives and Russian actions that demonstrate a willingness to stop the killing. Ukraine needs security guarantees backed by the means to enforce them, alongside protection while negotiations continue.
Every day spent waiting carries a cost Ukrainians cannot postpone. After so many promises, another “very soon” deserves to be measured against what actually happens next.