Donald Trump's Key Visit to Europe: New Strikes Against Russia Expected

The US president has landed in Scotland, and although it's an unofficial visit, decisions related to the war in Ukraine may be made during it. Donald Trump will speak with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Among the topics discussed will be new sanctions targeting Vladimir Putin's regime, as well as plans to end the conflict between Kyiv and Moscow.

Donald Trump landed at Prestwick Airport in Scotland on Friday, from where he departed for his golf resort on the Ayrshire coast. During the unofficial visit, which will last until Tuesday, the American leader will speak with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen .

SEE: They convinced Trump to help Ukraine. Media reports on an important call from Poland.

According to British media, citing sources in the White House and the London government, the war in Ukraine is expected to be a key topic of the meetings. "British officials are encouraged by the marked shift in Trump's rhetoric towards Ukraine and Russia in recent weeks," reports The Guardian.

According to von der Leyen's statement , her conversation with Trump will take place on Sunday . Further decisions related to sanctions against Russia , which have recently been announced by both the European Union and the United States, may be made then. The meeting is also expected to discuss plans to end the war in Ukraine .

Trump spoke about additional, stronger restrictions against the Kremlin before leaving the US. He specified that one potential scenario is the imposition of secondary sanctions targeting countries trading with Russian suppliers. "We're looking at this whole situation, and it may be that we'll have to impose secondary sanctions," he said.

SEE: "Putting the cart before the horse." The Kremlin on the meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin.

The new restrictions would apply to goods from countries importing Russian crude oil , and their rate could be as high as 100 percent. When asked if there was a chance they would come into effect sooner than after the previously announced 50 days, the American president replied that he would "perhaps" make such a decision .

It's also possible that Trump's planned meeting with von der Leyen is linked to Russia's resistance to summit negotiations . The Kremlin stated on Friday that Vladimir Putin would only come face-to-face with Volodymyr Zelensky if an agreement was on the table. It rejected the proposal for direct negotiations between the leaders.

Russian Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov also noted that further negotiations likely won't take place before the end of August, as Ukraine proposed during the peace talks in Istanbul . Kyiv emphasized its readiness to resolve the conflict, but pointed to the need for a summit of leaders to achieve a breakthrough.