In a stunning diplomatic development that has sent shockwaves through global capitals, a direct meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—a summit long dismissed as impossible—may now be just weeks away. The unlikely broker behind this potential breakthrough? Former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Following a high-stakes White House summit focused on the Ukraine conflict, Trump revealed he had personally intervened. "I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy," Trump announced to reporters. He further teased his own future involvement, adding, "After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two presidents, plus myself."

This isn't just political posturing. The bombshell announcement was quickly corroborated by a key European ally. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed that during the White House talks, Putin told Trump in a direct phone call that he was prepared to meet his Ukrainian counterpart "within the next two weeks." This revelation marks a dramatic reversal for the Russian leader, who has consistently resisted face-to-face talks with Zelenskyy, often demanding a long list of preconditions be met first.

For his part, President Zelenskyy has long maintained his willingness to engage in direct negotiations. On Monday, he once again reiterated his readiness for talks with Putin, a stance he has held throughout the conflict, believing direct dialogue is essential to finding a resolution. The sudden momentum has also drawn sharp commentary from other international figures, with both Chancellor Merz and Finnish President Alexander Stubb offering pointed remarks on the developing situation in separate press conferences.

The prospect of a Putin-Zelenskyy meeting, orchestrated from the sidelines by Trump, introduces an unpredictable and potentially game-changing dynamic to the ongoing war. While skepticism remains high, the concrete two-week timeline has forced the world to pay attention. Will the two leaders finally sit across from each other, and what role will Trump's planned "Trilat" play? The next fourteen days could redefine the future of Eastern Europe.