Just weeks before a scheduled sit-down with President Donald Trump to end the Ukraine war, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin survived a secret Kremlin attempt to take him out with a deadly nerve toxin, intelligence sources told RadarOnline.com in an explosive world exclusive.

US President Donald Trump says he has directed his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as momentum builds toward hammering out a deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Amid this opposition, a series of meetings is expected. Today, there will be a meeting between US and Russian officials in Abu Dhabi, and a virtual one between the coalition of the willing, hosted by Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron. Ukraine's official also says they expect a meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump in the next few days.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin described Donald Trump in one word as he spoke publically for the first time about the Republican ’s election victory. Putin said he had been “impressed” by Trump, before describing him as “courageous” concerning the assassination attempt on the president -elect at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

US President Donald Trump “remains hopeful and optimistic that a deal can be struck” to end Russia’s war with Ukraine. Follow live updates

The president’s improvisatory approach is unsettling Kyiv and its allies. Backers say Trump’s style might win results where others have failed.