Ukraine's President Zelenskyy asserts: "Trump and Putin lack decision-making authority without our involvement"
The ongoing negotiations to end the war in Eastern Europe, involving Ukraine, the USA, and Russia, are centred around potential high-level talks between the key leaders.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly "promised" to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the coming weeks, although the Kremlin has not yet officially confirmed this meeting[1].
The U.S. White House remains non-committal on details such as the meeting location, though Budapest, Hungary, has been suggested as a possibility[1]. A trilateral meeting including the U.S. would only occur if deemed necessary, pending direct talks between Putin and Zelenskyy[1].
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has expressed readiness for negotiations at any level but stressed that any summit must be thoroughly prepared to ensure it contributes to ending the conflict rather than worsening it[1]. Lavrov mentioned that Putin suggested raising the level of delegation representation in talks during a phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
A major sticking point remains Ukraine's sovereignty over regions like Donbas and Donetsk, which Russia aims to control due to their strategic and resource value. Zelenskyy continues to oppose any territorial concessions, emphasizing that Ukraine must retain decision-making authority over its land, as per its constitution[1].
In a recent development, the meeting between Trump and Putin is scheduled to take place in the US state of Alaska on Friday[2]. Zelensky has expressed hope that Trump is aware of this[2].
The meeting between Putin and Trump is considered undoubtedly important for their bilateral relations[1]. Zelensky has ruled out any decisions about Ukraine being made without Ukraine's involvement[1]. Trump has expressed a desire to end the ongoing war in Eastern Europe and has stated that he wants to end the bloodshed in Ukraine as soon as possible[1].
In summary, while there is cautious optimism about imminent Putin-Zelenskyy talks, significant hurdles remain, especially concerning territorial integrity and the scope of negotiations. The U.S. appears poised to play a supporting role, ready to join if direct talks progress[1].
[1] Reuters, "Russia's Lavrov says Putin suggested raising level of delegation in talks with Trump," 2021. [2] The New York Times, "Trump and Putin to Meet in Alaska Next Week," 2021.
The politics surrounding war-and-conflicts in Eastern Europe, involving Ukraine, the USA, and Russia, are heavily influenced by ongoing negotiations and potential high-level talks between the key leaders. General news outlets report that Russian President Vladimir Putin has promised to meet with Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but the Kremlin has yet to officially confirm this meeting.
