Maintaining ties with Central and Eastern European nations in the EU's foreign relations has been a priority, with various measures put in place to ensure their continuity.
The political landscape is abuzz with the possibility of a historic meeting between the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, and the US.
According to reports, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin are planning a meeting, with the location yet to be determined. France's President Emmanuel Macron suggested the meeting should take place in Europe in a neutral country acceptable to all parties, but no official decision has been made yet.
The White House has confirmed that US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine will receive visits from his colleagues from several countries this week to discuss security guarantees and their implementation. The Hungarian capital was proposed for a meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Viktor Orban. However, the White House did not confirm or deny Budapest as a possible location for a three-way summit.
President Trump has been vocal about his intentions, stating that he had "very successful" meetings with both Zelenskyy and Putin. He has mentioned a religious motivation for his efforts towards a peaceful solution, stating "I'm trying to get into heaven if possible."
Trump has discussed the deployment of peacekeeping troops from NATO countries with both Zelenskyy and Putin. However, he has ruled out the deployment of US troops in a possible peacekeeping force for Ukraine. Instead, he suggested that the US could provide air support for Ukraine's security.
Thousands of European soldiers are believed to be needed for effective protection of Ukraine, according to former commander of U.S. forces in Europe, Ben Hodges. He emphasised that without the deployment of many thousands of European soldiers on the ground, with a clear mandate, strict rules of engagement, and real capabilities that Russia respects, such guarantees remain an empty shell.
Germany, France, and the UK are ready to send soldiers to Ukraine to secure a possible peace, according to Trump. However, the details of this proposal, including the number of troops and the duration of their deployment, are yet to be finalised.
Putin proposed Moscow as a possible location for a meeting with Zelenskyy, but the White House did not comment due to confidentiality. Trump has not yet responded to this proposal.
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Putin for alleged war crimes. The implications of this warrant on the potential meeting remain unclear.
As the world watches, the stage is set for what could be a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The hope is that this meeting will lead to a peaceful resolution and a brighter future for the region.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
