Trump expresses displeasure towards Putin: "I'll take necessary actions to prevent further fatalities"
In a significant development, former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska next week, marking the first U.S.-Russia summit since 2021. The exact time and location of the meeting remain undisclosed [1][2].
Trump, who describes the summit as a "feel-out meeting," aims to gauge the possibility of a peace deal to end the ongoing war in Ukraine [1][2]. He expects to know within the first minutes of the meeting whether Putin is serious about peace, stating that the outcome could either be encouraging or dismissive [2].
Trump clarified that he does not intend to negotiate or finalize any agreement himself but plans to consult with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders following the meeting [1]. He emphasized his intention to press Putin to end the war, arguing that the conflict "would have never happened" if it were not for his engagement with Putin [1].
However, the proposed summit has raised concerns in Ukraine and Europe, who fear that any agreement might disproportionately favor Russia without adequate Ukrainian input [2]. Notably, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy is not expected to be present at the initial meeting but will be contacted by Trump afterward to discuss the results and any proposals Putin may make [1].
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has indicated that a meeting between Putin and Zelensky would only occur after terms for peace in Ukraine have been agreed upon [1]. The Kremlin has also suggested that a meeting between Putin and Zelensky would be appropriate only at the end of the negotiation process [1].
Despite the lack of confirmation from the Kremlin, Trump has expressed his willingness to meet with Putin, regardless of whether he meets with Zelensky [1]. It is worth noting that Trump has proposed a three-way meeting with Putin and Zelensky, but this proposal has not been confirmed by the Kremlin [1].
In a surprising turn of events, Putin suggested the United Arab Emirates as a possible venue for the meeting with Trump about the war in Ukraine [1]. However, the Trump-Putin meeting is not contingent upon a meeting between Putin and Zelensky [1].
It is important to clarify that Trump's willingness to meet with Putin does not imply an endorsement of Putin's actions or policies [1]. Former President Joe Biden's last meeting with his Russian counterpart was in Geneva in 2021.
This upcoming summit promises to be a significant event in the ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. As the world waits for the outcome, hopes are high that this meeting may bring about a much-needed ceasefire and peace for the region.
Sources: [1] Associated Press. (2023, March 13). Trump, Putin to meet in Alaska next week, aiming to end Ukraine conflict. ABC News. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/trump-putin-meet-alaska-week-aiming-end-ukraine-88746657 [2] Reuters. (2023, March 13). Trump, Putin to meet in Alaska, but no sign of Zelensky involvement. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/13/trump-putin-to-meet-in-alaska-but-no-sign-of-zelensky-involvement
- The meeting between Trump and Putin, amid ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, is scheduled to discuss potential peace deal options in politics.
- Trump's intended consultations with General-news outlets, such as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, following the meeting, reflect his pursuit for an informed resolution and a balanced agreement.
