Trump Expresses Interest in a Three-Way Summit Involving Putin and Zelensky
In a series of diplomatic moves, former U.S. President Donald Trump is attempting to facilitate peace talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The planned meeting, which would mark the first encounter between a sitting U.S. president and Putin since 2021, is scheduled to take place in Anchorage on Friday.
Trump met Putin in Alaska around August 18, 2025, followed by a meeting with Zelensky and European leaders at the White House on August 19. During these meetings, Trump expressed optimism about the potential for peace but acknowledged the complexity of the situation, particularly regarding Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Despite his confidence, Trump has yet to announce any concrete action regarding the threatened "secondary sanctions" on Russia’s trading partners over its invasion of Ukraine. Similarly, he has not clarified how he plans to broker a peace deal, nor has he specified what constitutes "painful concessions" for Ukraine.
Zelensky and his European allies have urged Trump to push for a ceasefire, but Russia, particularly Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, has cast doubt on the readiness of any Russia-Ukraine meeting. Lavrov stated that the agenda was "not ready at all" and stressed Russia’s demands remain unchanged, including no NATO membership for Ukraine and territorial concessions, which Zelensky rejects outright.
In response, Zelensky accused Moscow of deliberately undermining efforts to secure a meeting. U.S. officials, meanwhile, emphasize that a comprehensive peace deal, not just a ceasefire, is the goal, requiring compromises from both sides.
Trump has suggested that if the first meeting goes well, a quick second meeting will follow, including Zelensky. However, he has not invited the Ukrainian leader to the meeting in Anchorage on Friday.
Trump rated his conversation with European leaders as 10, indicating a very friendly relationship. Yet, he has expressed concerns about a potential deal between him and Putin that could force "painful concessions" on Ukraine. Zelensky, on the other hand, has stated that concessions will not make Russia end the war.
The progress towards a negotiated solution remains uncertain due to deep divisions over territory and security guarantees. As the diplomatic efforts continue, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the nearly three-and-a-half year war in Ukraine.
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