Putin, Trump to discuss Syria, Ukraine conflicts during G20 summit

The conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, terrorism and arms control are expected to be major topics in the first meeting between President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump, the Kremlin said Monday.

The leaders are anticipated to meet during a summit of the Group of 20 major economies being held Friday and Saturday in Hamburg, Germany.

Putin and Trump will have a "very important meeting," Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yury Ushakov, said in comments carried by state media. The exact day of the meeting has yet to be revealed.

Putin is also scheduled to have breakfast with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron during the summit, a meal at which the Ukraine conflict will certainly be a major topic. However, no date has been set.

Germany and France have for years brokered negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian governments over the fate of eastern Ukraine.

Putin is also expected to discuss the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline project with European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker.

The project has been criticized for its potential to undermine sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine conflict.

Putin and the other leaders of the developing economics known as the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) are also expected to meet during the summit.