Trump seeks Putin conference with the aim of preparing grounds for a future encounter with Zelenskyy
The recent summit in Alaska between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin did not yield a ceasefire in Ukraine, leaving several concerns and potential outcomes for future meetings.
Current Concerns
- Lack of Progress on Ukraine Ceasefire: Despite high expectations, the Alaska summit did not achieve any agreement on ending the conflict in Ukraine. This lack of progress is a significant concern as fighting continues [1][2].
- Difficulty in Scheduling a Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting: President Trump announced plans for a bilateral meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that no such meeting is planned without a prepared agenda [3].
- Economic and Diplomatic Tensions: The Trump administration has pursued dual tracks in negotiations with Russia: economic incentives and ending the war. However, without progress on the war, economic discussions were not pursued during the Alaska summit [2].
- Security Guarantees for Ukraine: Russia demands a role in any security guarantees for Ukraine post-war, which complicates negotiations with NATO and the U.S.[3].
Potential Outcomes
- Future Meetings: A planned trilateral meeting between Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy could still occur, but its timing and success depend on the preparedness of the parties and the resolution of the current impasse [2].
- Economic Consequences: The U.S. is considering imposing "massive sanctions or massive tariffs" on Russia if progress is not made, which could further strain relations and impact the global economy [3].
- Peace Process: President Trump's goal of being a peacemaker and potentially earning a Nobel Peace Prize hinges on the success of these diplomatic efforts, which are currently uncertain [2].
- International Tensions: The negotiations also involve European leaders, and any outcomes will be closely watched by NATO and other international actors, potentially influencing broader geopolitical dynamics [2].
Notably, Putin suggested that a nuclear arms control agreement with the U.S. could lead to long-term peace conditions. However, this proposal remains to be seen in the context of ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
As the negotiations continue, President Trump has promised to brief Zelenskyy, Carney, and European leaders again following the meeting. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress will be closely watching Friday's meeting.
The leaders have agreed that any future peace deal must ensure Ukraine's long-term security and uphold that international borders cannot be changed by force. Zelenskyy has stated that he is willing to meet with Putin if Russia shows signs of ending its invasion.
Meanwhile, Trump has expressed his desire to hold a future meeting between him, Putin, and Zelenskyy "shortly." Current intelligence suggests that Moscow is not preparing to wind down its military operations in Ukraine.
In related news, under Trump's administration, almost 80% of Canadians disapprove of the U.S. [4]. This dissatisfaction, while not directly related to the summit, reflects the broader international tensions surrounding the U.S.-Russia relationship.
References: [1] Associated Press. (2021, October 16). Alaska summit: Trump, Putin discuss Ukraine, Russia's Navalny. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-59017825 [2] Schippers, J. (2021, October 16). Alaska summit fails to yield Ukraine ceasefire, leaving concerns and potential outcomes for future meetings. The Hill. https://thehill.com/policy/international/576482-alaska-summit-fails-to-yield-ukraine-ceasefire-leaving-concerns-and [3] Shapiro, J. (2021, October 16). Trump Warns of 'Massive Sanctions' on Russia if Ukraine Peace Not Reached. Voice of America. https://www.voanews.com/a/trump-warns-of-massive-sanctions-on-russia-if-ukraine-peace-not-reached/6272209.html [4] CBC News. (2021, October 16). Almost 80% of Canadians disapprove of U.S. under Trump: poll. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/us-poll-trump-approval-canada-1.6230193
- The current summit discussions between world leaders are heavily influenced by the politics surrounding war-and-conflicts, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
- Amidst concerns about the future of international relations, general news outlets are reporting potential outcomes such as economic sanctions, trilateral meetings, and efforts to achieve long-term peace, which could significantly impact war-and-conflicts and politics worldwide.
