Ukrainian President Zelensky conveys that both Trump and Putin lack the ability to reach a decision without Ukrainian involvement.
The international community is closely watching the developing situation regarding a potential trilateral summit aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting, which could involve US President Donald Trump, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, is being explored with optimism, but several challenges remain.
Trump has expressed a desire to put an end to the bloodshed in Ukraine as soon as possible, and he has been actively trying to arrange such a summit. During a White House summit, Trump called Putin, signalling optimism about a trilateral meeting soon after[1][2]. Trump also spoke with Zelensky, who expressed his willingness for the summit and his desire for Trump to attend[1][2][3].
However, Putin has yet to agree to a direct meeting with Zelensky, and the exact date and location of the summit remain undecided[1][2]. One of the key challenges is Putin's reluctance to meet Zelensky as an equal and potential reluctance to show respect by negotiating directly[2].
Another challenge is the security guarantees demanded by Kyiv, which Ukraine insists are required to prevent future Russian aggression after any peace agreement. These guarantees are being worked out collaboratively by US and European officials but have yet to be finalized[2][3].
European leaders and Zelensky strongly support a trilateral meeting, but Putin has historically resisted it and may be delaying agreement[3]. The Ukrainian President has expressed hope that Trump is aware of the importance of Ukraine's involvement in any decisions made about the country[3].
The war in Ukraine, which has been taking place in Eastern Europe for nearly three-and-a-half years, has been met with Western support as Ukraine has defended itself against Russian aggression[4]. European allies of Ukraine and Kyiv's leadership are concerned that Putin and Trump could make decisions regarding Ukraine, despite it being attacked by Russia[1][2].
Potential outcomes discussed include a peace deal or ceasefire following the trilateral or subsequent negotiations, though details remain vague[3]. Another possibility is that US security guarantees for Ukraine could become part of the agreement, which might help ensure Ukraine's long-term sovereignty despite the war—though specifics on these guarantees have not been revealed[3].
The overall negotiation is at an early stage, with optimism expressed by Trump but clear skepticism from analysts and European officials regarding Putin's commitment to a resolved deal soon[1][2][3]. The core obstacle remains Putin's agreement to meet directly and address security concerns, meaning the outcome remains uncertain[1][2][3].
Read also:
- Massive 8.8 earthquake hits off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting Japan to issue a tsunami alert.
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Independence supporters in New Caledonia refuse agreement offering authority without a vote on sovereignty
- Proposed Standardization of Food Labeling Laws Among Member States by the Commission
