U.S. officials on Sunday expressed optimism that a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire deal could be reached in "weeks," with President Donald Trump expected to soon discuss the issue with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to speak this week as the U.S. tries to broker a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, according to Trump special envoy Steve Wi

President Donald Trump on Saturday said he was naming Keith Kellogg his special envoy for Ukraine, narrowing the retired general’s portfolio after reports he was sidelined during recent US-Russia talks at the Kremlin’s request.

In recent developments, it has been confirmed that Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO has been taken off the table in ongoing peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. This means that Ukraine’s inclusion in the alliance is not a topic of discussion in efforts to bring an end to the conflict.

In his opening remarks Saturday to a virtual gathering of what he has termed the “coalition of the willing,” Starmer said Putin will “sooner or later” have to “come to the table.” The call is expected to delve into how countries can help Ukraine militarily and financially as well as gauging support for any future possible peacekeeping mission.

According to the Associated Press, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was in Moscow this week for talks on a U.S.-proposed agreement that Ukraine has already accepted, though