Even as the president has repeatedly groused about Putin’s “bullshit” and double talk, the administration believes Putin has given signs that demonstrate this time is different.

A diplomatic scramble unfolded Saturday after President Donald Trump announced he would meet his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, next week in Alaska, as European leaders rushed to understand the terms of the meeting and ensure Ukraine was not being left out of discussions about its future.

Trump is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.