Ukraine dialogue with Trump: Zelensky cautions against bestowing benefits on Russia - Ukraine's President Zelenskyy issues caution over Russia's potential incentives prior to Ukraine negotiations with Trump
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday afternoon (local time), following Trump's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last Friday.
The upcoming discussions are expected to focus on the results of Trump's meeting with Putin and the potential path towards a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Before the consultations with Trump, Western representatives, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), French President Emmanuel Macron, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, are scheduled for a separate meeting with Zelensky in Washington. This preliminary gathering is described as a "preparatory meeting" by the EU Commission.
Zelensky has consistently demanded substantial, concrete security guarantees from Western countries before engaging in any peace negotiations. He has emphasized that Ukraine will not compromise on its sovereignty and territorial integrity, including control over the Donbas region and Crimea.
Trump, on the other hand, has shown mixed views on the issue. While he has criticized current U.S. policy for its cost and suggested negotiating directly with Russia, he has also acknowledged the importance of supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty. However, he has at times downplayed the need for extensive U.S. involvement or long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.
Trump has recently dropped his demand for an immediate ceasefire and instead called for direct talks on a comprehensive peace agreement. This shift in approach may signal a willingness to compromise in the negotiations, although the specifics of his proposed peace solution remain unclear.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues unabated, with Russia launching attacks on Ukraine with unabated ferocity. As recently as this weekend, five people were killed in a drone attack on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.
Other key world leaders, such as Joe Biden, Olaf Scholz, and Emmanuel Macron, have expressed strong support for Ukraine's defense and sovereignty, while varying on the issue of offering explicit security guarantees like NATO membership.
As the peace talks approach, Zelensky has warned that any agreement must be "lasting". German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has called for firm security guarantees for Kyiv. The discussions at the White House are expected to delve into these issues, as well as the stance towards Russian territorial claims.
Initially, Zelensky is scheduled to meet with Trump bilaterally, before the Western representatives join in. The talks are planned to last until around 17:00 or 18:00 local time (23:00 or Tuesday 00:00 CET), with a working lunch and a multi-hour discussion on the agenda.
Trump has stated that it is up to Zelensky to end the Ukraine war, but it remains to be seen whether the upcoming talks will lead to a breakthrough in the long-standing conflict.
- During the anticipated discussions, the European leaders, amongst them the President of the European Parliament, will be addressing the potential path towards a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing the importance of firm security guarantees for Kyiv as a crucial aspect in the negotiations.
- As the war-and-conflicts in Ukraine persist, political leaders worldwide, including the Presidents of the European Commission and the Council, have expressed their support for Ukraine's defense and sovereignty, while navigating the complexities of offerings explicit security guarantees in a world filled with general-news and shifting political dynamics.
