A Russia expert warns Putin views a potential Zelenskyy meeting as theater to show Russian greatness rather than genuine diplomacy for Ukraine peace talks.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said Tuesday that he believes President Donald Trump is prepared to “crush” Russia’s economy with a new wave of sanctions if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the coming weeks.

President Donald Trump said he’s begun arrangements for a face-to-face meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss a pathway to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

President Trump today said he will not send U.S. ground troops to Ukraine as part of any security guarantees for that country. As part of Trump’s push for peace, the White House said that Russian president Putin has agreed to meet with Ukraine’s president Zelenskyy.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived at the White House for talks with President Donald Trump and key European leaders as the U.S. leader presses for a quick end to the brutal Russia-Ukraine war.

First Lady Melania Trump penned a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was hand-delivered by President Donald Trump in Anchorage on Friday, calling on him to protect “the innocence” of children and “nurture the next generation’s hope” as his war on Ukraine continues.