Conflict in Ukraine: Trump Pushes for Swift Discussion with Putin and Zelensky
In a bid to negotiate a peace deal to end the three-and-a-half-year Russia-Ukraine conflict, US President Donald Trump has proposed a trilateral summit involving himself, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The proposal was initiated during a summit with Zelensky and European leaders in Washington, signaling a high-profile diplomatic effort. The goal expressed by Trump and his administration is a full peace deal rather than a mere ceasefire, with both sides needing to make reciprocal concessions to end the conflict.
The proposed meeting aims to elevate Russian and Ukrainian negotiations by facilitating face-to-face talks that could lead to a comprehensive peace agreement. However, no firm date or location has been announced. Russia has only acknowledged discussions about increasing the level of representation in negotiations, not confirming a meeting.
The proposal reflects an attempt, according to U.S. officials, to leverage Trump’s unique position to bring Putin and Zelensky together, which has been elusive for other international actors. Success could lead to an end to the conflict and potentially reshape geopolitical dynamics in Europe.
French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed his desire for the meeting to occur. He stated that he would like the meeting to take place in Europe, in a neutral country. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz supported Ukraine's inclusion in negotiations.
Meanwhile, Trump mentioned having a "very good call" with European leaders, including Volodymyr Zelensky, regarding the proposed meeting. He stated that "some big things can be achieved in the first meeting" and that the meeting will be "very important."
The meeting between Putin and Zelensky is scheduled to take place "immediately" after Trump's summit with Putin in Alaska. However, Zelensky expressed skepticism about Putin's intentions for peace, stating that Putin does not want peace but occupation.
In the affected area in Ukraine, approximately 1,150 children are still in the region. To ensure their safety, Ukraine has ordered the mandatory evacuation of families with children from about ten localities near the eastern sector due to the deteriorating situation.
Russia has claimed the capture of two localities in eastern Ukraine, Nykanorivka and Souvorove, in a strategic sector where Moscow has made rapid advances.
This approach is both controversial and unprecedented since it puts a former US president in a direct diplomatic role outside the current administration. The outcome of the proposed summit remains uncertain, but it underscores the complex international efforts to resolve the conflict.
The proposed trilateral summit, involving the European Union as one of the parties, aims to facilitate a diplomatic solution for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with French President Emmanuel Macron expressing his desire for the meeting to take place in a neutral European country. The European Union closely follows ongoing politics and general news about the war-and-conflicts, as a potential resolution could reshape geopolitical dynamics within the continent.
