Trump Meets Putin Envoy, Predicts 'Big and Beautiful Deal' on Ukraine

President Donald Trump said he met privately on Thursday with Vladimir Putin's envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, after the Russian official attended a White House event hosted by First Lady Melania Trump. Trump predicted a "big and beautiful deal" to end the war in Ukraine. Trump stated the agreement would involve more than Ukraine, potentially encompassing all of Europe, and that negotiations have progressed in recent weeks. He did not meet with the Ukrainian delegation on Thursday. Trump's envoy Jared Kushner said talks in Brussels covered security guarantees and five main objectives, including permanent consultations and crisis communications. The White House event marked a six-day ceasefire in Russian-controlled Oleshky, negotiated by Melania Trump, which expired Sunday. Ukrainian officials urged her to continue peace efforts, while both sides exchanged gifts, including a drawing from a Russian girl and a Ukrainian state award.