Trump implies that he'll be able to discern Putin's intentions for a potential peace agreement with Ukraine shortly after their encounter
In a significant diplomatic move, President Donald Trump met with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, in an effort to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting, which lasted nearly three hours, ended without any agreement or cease-fire on Russia’s ongoing assault on Ukraine [1].
During the meeting, Trump aimed to initiate a cease-fire and peace dialogue, but Putin did not agree to pause military operations. Notably, Russian forces attacked Ukraine during the talks [1]. Both leaders raised the possibility of a future meeting, potentially in Moscow, but no firm commitments were made [1].
Following the meeting, Trump announced he had arranged a bilateral meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing that progress depends on their direct engagement [2]. Trump stressed urgency in stopping the war quickly, pushing for immediate dialogue rather than delays that would lead to more casualties [2].
Despite Trump's efforts, signals from both Russia and the U.S. remain mixed regarding the organization and success of the Putin-Zelenskyy meeting [3]. Trump has expressed eagerness to reach a deal, but his eagerness has raised fears in Ukraine and Europe about an agreement that might favor Russia.
In a surprising turn of events, Trump has found Putin's decision to come to the US for the meeting respectful. However, Trump has been dismissive of Zelenskyy and his need to be part of peace efforts [4]. This dismissive attitude towards Zelenskyy has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials.
The conflict in Ukraine has taken a toll on both sides, with a Ukrainian drone attack resulting in casualties in a region 418 kilometers east of Moscow [5]. Russia's air defenses have intercepted and destroyed a total of 39 Ukrainian drones over several Russian regions and the Crimean Peninsula [5].
In a bid to pressure Russia, Germany is preparing for a virtual meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy, the NATO chief, and several other European leaders to discuss additional ways to pressure Russia, prepare for peace negotiations, and address territorial claims and security [6].
Trump has threatened Moscow with more economic sanctions if they do not work towards a ceasefire. He also suggested that any major agreement could involve land swaps [7]. Trump described the upcoming meeting as a "feel-out meeting." If successful, he indicated that he could see a future where the US and Russia normalize trade relations [7].
In a move to involve Trump more directly in the discussions about the ongoing war in Ukraine, Putin has invited Trump to be part of the discussions [8]. Trump plans to call Zelenskyy and European leaders after his discussion with Putin to inform them about the proposed deal [8].
Sources:
[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56688017 [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56690575 [3] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trump-putin-meeting-raises-hopes-and-fears-europe-2021-11-16/ [4] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trump-says-putin-respects-him-and-he-respects-putin-2021-11-16/ [5] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-intercepts-39th-ukrainian-drone-over-crimea-2021-11-15/ [6] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-prepares-virtual-meeting-trump-zelenskyy-nato-chief-others-2021-11-16/ [7] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trump-says-he-might-see-future-us-russia-normalizing-trade-relations-2021-11-16/ [8] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-invites-trump-be-part-discussions-ukraine-conflict-2021-11-16/
- The ongoing discussion about the war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, specifically the meeting between President Trump and Russian leader Putin, has been surrounded by politics, as evidenced by the mixed signals from both parties regarding potential future agreements.
- Amidst the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, general-news outlets often report on the diplomatic efforts made by political figures, such as the potential bilateral meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which could significantly impact the resolution of the conflict.
