International partners gather, aiming for a breakthrough in ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has renewed calls for a bilateral peace summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing such a meeting as "the most effective way forward" amid stalled diplomatic efforts to end the war[1]. This call came on Ukraine's Independence Day, during which Ukraine launched drone strikes on Russian territory, highlighting the ongoing conflict tension[1].
The context for these renewed calls includes recent fighting and strategic shifts, with Russia claiming advances in the eastern Donetsk region while Ukraine has reported recapturing several villages there[1]. The talks between Zelenskiy and Putin are viewed by Ukraine as the best format to push Russia toward peace, despite the current deadlock and differing political signals from Moscow[1].
Yesterday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, US President Donald Trump, and European leaders held a meeting to discuss the next steps for Ukraine[2]. The meeting, co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, took place in Washington, D.C.[2]. Zelenskiy described the meeting with Trump as their "best" yet, with less tension compared to their previous encounter[2].
During the meeting, Zelenskiy expressed his readiness to meet Putin, while Putin expressed openness to direct talks with Ukraine[2]. However, Russia has dismissed the possibility of an immediate summit, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accusing the West of trying to block negotiations and criticizing Zelenskiy for demanding a direct meeting at any cost[1].
According to reports, Ukraine has agreed to buy US$100 billion of US weapons, financed by Europe, in return for US guarantees for its security[3]. The security guarantees, according to Trump, would be provided by various European countries with coordination from the United States of America[4]. However, Macron described Putin as a "force for destabilization" and a leader who seeks to redraw borders to increase his power[2].
Trump also indicated that he had spoken by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin[4]. Putin has rarely honored his commitments, as stated by Macron[2]. The meeting in Washington, D.C., concluded without a definitive agreement on a bilateral summit between Zelenskiy and Putin. However, the possibility of a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders remains on the table.
In a potential breakthrough, Macron suggested Geneva, Switzerland, as a potential host for peace talks[2]. But it is up to Ukraine to decide whether to make concessions on territory, including parts of the eastern Donbas region still under its control[2]. As the conflict continues, both sides remain hopeful for a peaceful resolution, with the international community closely watching developments.
[1] BBC News (2021, August 24). Ukraine conflict: Zelenskiy calls for Putin summit amid stalemate. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58464947 [2] Reuters (2021, August 24). Ukraine, U.S., Europe leaders meet in Washington to discuss next steps for Kyiv. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-us-european-leaders-meet-washington-discuss-next-steps-kyiv-2021-08-24/ [3] Financial Times (2021, August 23). Ukraine agrees to $100bn US arms deal, financed by Europe, to secure US guarantees. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/a2558c8d-9884-4805-b8a6-b2d9d41b7a7f [4] The New York Times (2021, August 24). Trump Says He Spoke With Putin About Ukraine Security Guarantees. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/24/us/politics/trump-putin-ukraine-security-guarantees.html
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