Charles Maynes

Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Donald Trump's "energetic and sincere" efforts to end the war in Ukraine. But on the streets of Moscow while many hope for an end to the war, they disagree on how to get there.

Trump said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was unlikely to be included in talks he described as a "feel-out meeting" to better understand Russia's demands for ending its war in Ukraine.

The discussion of a summit came amid the countdown to President Trump's Friday deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine or face new sanctions and tariffs on Russian energy exports.

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The two sides made little progress toward a ceasefire — despite President Trump's threats of harsh new economic penalties on Moscow should it fail to agree to a deal by early September.

President Trump threatened to punish Russia with heavy tariffs on countries that trade with Moscow if the Kremlin fails to reach a ceasefire deal with Ukraine, while promising Kyiv weapons.

Officials from Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on Monday failed to reach a ceasefire but agreed to exchange more prisoners.

President Trump is working the phones on Monday, holding calls with the leaders of Russia, Ukraine and other European countries as he continues efforts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.

The negotiations took place a day later than planned amid low expectations for a breakthrough, after Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Trump opted not to go to Turkey.

There are lots of unknowns ahead of potential direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey.