Trump is not anticipating a negotiated agreement with Putin
In a significant development, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Alaska on Friday to discuss a possible peace solution for the ongoing Russian invasion in Ukraine, which has been ongoing for about three and a half years.
The meeting comes as part of a new initiative led by President Trump, who has been actively involved in advancing Ukraine's involvement in peace negotiations. Trump recently facilitated a historic peace summit involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, emphasising a path toward long-term peace that excludes Ukraine's membership in NATO but strengthens European security commitments.
Trump has arranged a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, highlighting the importance of their direct dialogue for making progress. He stressed the urgency of negotiations, rejecting delays that could lead to further casualties, and indicated efforts are underway to coordinate this meeting soon. Trump also plans to personally engage to finalise any potential resolution after the Putin-Zelenskyy dialogue, emphasising that both leaders must cooperate for the peace process to succeed.
Moscow has demanded that Ukraine abandon its bid for NATO membership and surrender territories annexed by Russia. However, Ukraine strictly rejects any territorial concessions, with President Zelenskyy firmly rejecting any surrender of Crimea and the regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Saporischschja, and Cherson.
The meeting will discuss how pressure can be put on Russia, possible peace negotiations, and related questions of territorial claims and security. Trump has again raised the issue of exchanging territories, expressing a desire for a ceasefire and mentioning a possible land swap between Ukraine and Russia in the context of peace negotiations. However, Selenskyj implicitly states that he would not accept a deal involving territorial exchange.
The German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is trying to find a common line between Europeans and US President Donald Trump in preparation for the Alaska Summit. The German government emphasised the importance of involving Ukraine in any peace solution, stating that it is only imaginable with Ukraine's participation for a sustainable and fair peace. The European heads of state and government will meet with Zelenskyy and Trump at Merz's initiative on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg acknowledges that Russia controls part of Ukrainian territory. The EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas has announced a new EU sanctions package against Russia, further highlighting the international community's concern over the ongoing conflict.
Trump has hinted at a meeting between Selenskyj and Putin, or a meeting involving all three leaders, following the Alaska summit. However, it's worth noting that Selenskyj has not been invited to the Alaska meeting, but a meeting between Selenskyj and Putin may occur in the future.
In response to the Alaska summit, Trump has announced that he will inform Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European heads of state and government after the summit about the conversation with Putin. The outcome of the Alaska summit remains to be seen, but it is clear that efforts are being made to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
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