Reuters sources described the negotiations "as a backchannel".
"Although the participants have diplomatic experience, they are not officials... The meetings, which had not been previously reported, highlight behind-the-scenes efforts by the U.S. and russia to explore ways to end the war in Ukraine", - the report states.
It is noted that the meetings took place over the past month, including last week.
Earlier, citing a former U.S. ambassador, it was reported that Trump’s team had allegedly offered putin the occupied territories of Ukraine and an easing of sanctions.