"Achieving miracles is a prolonged and arduous process".
In a move that could potentially reshape the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin of Russia and former U.S. President Donald Trump are set to meet for a summit, marking the first high-level encounter between the two leaders since 2021.
Putin's geopolitical aims regarding Ukraine are clear: demilitarization, denazification (regime change), permanent neutrality outside NATO, territorial concessions, and the lifting of international sanctions against Russia. Specifically, Russia demands that Ukraine cede several occupied regions, reduce the size and sophistication of its military, and be permanently excluded from NATO membership [1][2][3].
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, has rejected these conditions, vowing not to cede any territory, abandon NATO ambitions, and maintain full military sovereignty. He accuses Russia’s demands of attempting to partition Ukraine [1][3].
Trump describes the summit as a "feel out meeting" aimed at gauging if Putin is ready for a peace deal and ending the war. He claims he will quickly know within minutes if a deal is possible, asserting that he is skilled at dealmaking [1][3]. However, Kremlin officials expect the summit to focus on discussions about the "root causes" of the war—Russian concerns about NATO expansion and protection of Russian speakers—not on compromise [2]. They emphasize Russia's unwillingness to compromise and continuing commitment to original war goals [2].
The impact of the summit on Putin’s goals appears uncertain but limited by the current conditions on the ground and Putin’s firm stance. The meeting may offer a diplomatic channel, but Russia likely will maintain its demands for territorial control, Ukraine’s neutrality, and regime change unless significant concessions are made [2][3]. European leaders and Ukraine were not invited to the summit, increasing skepticism about its comprehensiveness and utility for Ukraine's interests [3].
The Russian stock market surged by more than 5%, with its main index MOEX hitting a two-month high. The ruble reached a two-week high against the U.S. dollar and the Chinese yuan, while European stock markets continued to rise as hopes for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine strengthen [4].
President Zelenskyy has expressed cautious optimism about these contacts, while Republicans see Trump's move as a "great opportunity" for achieving peace [5]. The United Arab Emirates could be a suitable location for the summit [6]. The venue for the summit has been agreed upon but will be announced later.
References:
[1] Der Spiegel (2023). Trump can distance himself from virtually empty threats of sanctions by imposing a peace agreement without European involvement. [2] Der Spiegel (2023). Putin's demands remain firm and uncompromising. [3] Der Spiegel (2023). Zelenskyy rejects Putin’s conditions, accusing Russia of attempting to partition Ukraine. [4] ANSA (2023). European stock markets continue to rise as hopes for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine strengthen. [5] Der Spiegel (2023). Republicans see Trump’s move as a "great opportunity" for achieving peace. [6] ANSA (2023). The United Arab Emirates could be a suitable location for a summit between Putin and Trump.
In response to the upcoming summit between President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, policy-and-legislation regarding war-and-conflicts in Ukraine could potentially undergo significant changes. The ongoing disagreements between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine over territorial concessions, military sovereignty, and NATO membership are likely to be at the forefront of politics discussions during the meeting, impacting general-news reporting.
