Trump Anticipates No Agreement with Putin
The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has seen a significant development with recent peace talks involving the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine making a promising early-stage breakthrough. These discussions have focused on potential face-to-face meetings and security guarantees, although details on territorial concessions and an explicit ceasefire agreement remain preliminary.
A notable step towards higher-level dialogue was a phone call from former U.S. President Trump to Russian President Putin, arranging a direct meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. President Zelensky expressed openness to either a trilateral summit or a bilateral meeting with Putin, marking a significant move after nearly four years of conflict.
On substantive issues:
- Ukraine has emphasized the need for security guarantees, primarily from European states, coordinated with the U.S. The U.S. role is envisioned as supportive but with Europe bearing most of the defense responsibilities.
- Discussions have included the possibility of Ukraine purchasing a substantial amount (up to $100 billion) in U.S.-made weapons, financed by European partners, rather than relying on direct aid.
- No public confirmation of agreed territorial concessions or a formal ceasefire has been made; the focus seems to be on establishing leadership-level negotiations and the framework for security.
Despite these promising developments, concrete agreements on territorial issues or a ceasefire remain to be negotiated.
Key figures are working towards finding a common line ahead of the upcoming meetings. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is trying to bridge the gap between Europeans and U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the Alaska Summit. Merz is planning a virtual meeting with the heads of state and government from France, Britain, Italy, Poland, and Finland, to which EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and Zelenskyy are also invited.
Ukraine strictly rejects any territorial concessions, with President Zelensky implicitly stating that he would not accept a deal involving territorial exchange. Zelensky also sees the upcoming meeting as a new attempt by Moscow to deceive.
Trump has hinted at a future meeting between Zelensky and Putin, or a meeting with all three. Trump has offered to join the future meeting if needed. However, it is important to note that the U.S. President and Russian leader will not be signing an agreement on the Ukraine conflict during their meeting in Alaska.
The European Union is also taking action. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas suggests a new EU sanctions package against Russia. Russia currently controls part of Ukrainian territory.
The discussion among leaders will include building pressure on Russia, possible peace negotiations, and associated questions of territorial claims and security. The meeting between Trump and Putin is scheduled for Friday, and the European heads of state and government will meet with Zelenskyy and Trump at Merz's initiative on Wednesday.
As these negotiations progress, it is crucial that any decision concerning Ukraine involves Ukraine. The German government emphasizes the importance of involving Ukraine in any peace solution, and any agreement must be acceptable to President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people.
[1] Reuters, "U.S., Russia and Ukraine agree on early-stage breakthrough in peace talks", 16 July 2021. [2] CNN, "Trump offers to join Zelensky-Putin meeting as Ukraine conflict talks heat up", 16 July 2021.
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Commemoration of 200 Days of American Resurgence Unveiled
- Minister Bärbel Bas expresses doubts about her tenure as a minister following a recent interview during the summer.
- Politicians from both Republican and Democratic parties are urging President Trump to maintain the security agreement with Australia and the United Kingdom.
