Geneva, Istanbul and Budapest have been put forward as potential locations - but bilateral talks still remain a long way off.

Russian president Vladimir Putin is reportedly willing to freeze current front lines in exchange for Ukrainian territorial concessions and a NATO membership ban.

In the most detailed Russian-based reporting to date on Putin's offer at the Alaska summit, Reuters was able to outline the contours of what the Kremlin would like to see in a possible peace deal.

Despite Trump's positivity, the meeting is far from guaranteed. Putin has repeatedly refused to meet with Zelenskyy during the conflict, having consistently sought to undermine the Ukrainian president's legitimacy. Russian officials rarely use Zelenskyy's name, preferring to refer to "the Kyiv regime."

Usha Vance called Melania Trump a "role model" Thursday for caring about children's welfare, referencing Mrs. Trump's letter to Vladimir Putin about protecting future generations.

Ukraine's president told reporters in Kyiv he wanted to "have an understanding" of the protections his allies are willing to offer within seven to 10 days.

Trump's warning came following a Russian missile attack on a US factory in Ukraine, which injured at least 15 workers.