Trump and Putin propose an Alaskan meeting.
In a development that could signal a significant shift in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may soon meet for the first time since the summer of 2021. The potential summit, if it materializes, would take place in Russia.
The upcoming meeting would mark a significant milestone, being the first personal meeting of a sitting US President with Putin since the summer of 2021. The exchange between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin was described as constructive by the Kremlin, with similar statements made in Washington.
However, the Kremlin has made it clear that certain conditions must be met before such a meeting can occur. The primary conditions include Ukraine's acknowledgment of certain Russian territorial claims and steps towards demilitarization, with reports suggesting Putin has softened his demands somewhat.
Zelenskyy, on the other hand, has repeatedly demanded direct involvement, opposing talks without Ukraine's participation. The European allies strongly advocate for Ukraine’s presence in negotiations, wary that exclusion could favor Moscow.
The situation remains fluid, with Ukraine controlling part of the contested Donetsk region, complicating concessions. Trump has emphasized the need for direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv at the highest level, but it remains unclear whether there will be a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy.
Trump has cozied up to Moscow in the past, but recently has expressed increasingly critical views of Putin. He has set a deadline of ten days for a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, threatening to impose sanctions on Russia's trading partners if it is not achieved.
Meanwhile, US-Russia relations have been strained by Trump's announcement of new tariffs against India due to its oil deals with Russia, which are set to come into effect in August.
The Ukraine conflict, which began in February 2022 when Russia, under Putin's leadership, invaded Ukraine, is still far from a peaceful solution. Trump, however, has repeatedly stated his desire to quickly end the war in Ukraine.
The US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet next Friday, August 15, in the US state of Alaska. Whether this meeting will pave the way for a direct dialogue between Putin and Zelenskyy remains to be seen.
The upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 could potentially influence the dialogue between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as the resolution of the Ukraine conflict requires substantial political negotiations and cooperation. The ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, which began in February 2022, are deeply rooted in politics and general-news, with their resolution heavily dependent on international diplomacy and negotiations.
