Trump intends to evaluate Putin's actions as Europe involves Ukraine
In a bid to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky is actively engaging in efforts initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table. However, the realization of the summit remains uncertain [1][2].
The U.S. President has invited Putin for a meeting in Alaska on Friday, marking the first face-to-face meeting between the two countries' presidents since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 [4]. The upcoming encounter is described as a "feel-out meeting" to gauge Putin's ideas for ending the war in Ukraine [5].
However, it remains unclear if Putin would accept a meeting with Zelensky, who has publicly dared him to negotiate [2]. The Ukrainian President has warned against capitulating to Putin's demands and stated that Russia must not receive any rewards or benefits for continuing the war [6].
The EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has stated that Russia must agree to a "full and unconditional ceasefire" before any concessions can be considered [1]. Past attempts at negotiating with Russia have not been successful, Kallas said, and will not work with Putin today [7].
The Kremlin has demanded Kiev pull its forces out of several regions claimed by Moscow and embrace sweeping demands, including committing to being a neutral state excluded from NATO and shunning U.S. and European military support, as a prerequisite to a peace settlement [1]. The EU foreign ministers met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Monday to discuss imposing a 19th package of sanctions on Russia [2].
Regarding potential land swaps in Ukraine as part of peace negotiations, discussions acknowledge that a peace deal would require compromises from both sides, with "each side to get something and give something," which might implicitly include territorial concessions [3]. However, neither Trump nor Ukrainian officials have publicly confirmed specific proposals such as land swaps. There is skepticism about Putin’s willingness to agree to terms acceptable to Ukraine, and concerns persist about unacceptable Russian demands, including possible conditions on Ukraine’s sovereignty or elections [2][3].
In the meantime, European leaders are planning to speak separately with both Trump and Zelensky on Wednesday [2]. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has invited the French, British, and other European leaders, as well as the EU and NATO chiefs, to virtual talks on Wednesday [8]. EU leaders have stressed the inherent right of Ukraine to choose its own destiny and have emphasized the importance of international law, including the principles of independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the fact that international borders must not be changed by force [8].
Trump expects "constructive conversations" with Putin in the upcoming meeting but has played down the possibility of a breakthrough [5]. As the international community continues to advocate for peace, the focus remains on finding a resolution that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and upholds the principles of international law.
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