Upcoming Putin-Trump meeting on Ukraine: Discussing the agendas
The much-anticipated meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump is set to take place on August 15 in Alaska. The discussion will primarily focus on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and broader global security issues.
The talks follow a visit by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to Putin in the Kremlin on August 6, marking the first time both leaders have come together since Trump's reelection. The meeting provides a unique opportunity for Putin to engage with a leader of the West, as noted by exiled Russian opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov.
The Ukraine conflict is at the heart of the summit. Putin has demanded that Ukraine abandon four partially occupied and annexed regions, including Donetsk, as a condition for peace, a demand that has been firmly rejected by Ukrainian President Zelensky. The US, on the other hand, is seeking to provide "robust security guarantees" to Ukraine, although these would come directly from the US and European countries rather than through NATO.
Political analyst Kirill Rogov believes that several factors might compel Putin to seek an end to the Ukraine war. These include the weakened Russian economy, the sluggish advance of Russian forces in Ukraine, potential US sanctions that could harm Russia, and continued diplomatic engagement and high-level direct talks with the US, which Trump has pursued since taking office in early 2025.
If a ceasefire is to be achieved, Gudkov suggests that it may be more likely to result from domestic factors that put pressure on the Kremlin rather than external factors. The analyst also believes that if the air strikes stop, Putin may continue his advance on land where he has the advantage.
The meeting in Alaska is expected to be a significant step towards renewed dialogue, but it remains to be seen whether it will lead to a breakthrough in the Ukraine conflict. The longer the war lasts, the harder it will be for Putin to sell it as a Russian victory, according to Gudkov. Despite sanctions, hundreds of tankers continue to transport Russian oil across the world's oceans.
The summit is expected to primarily benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to experts interviewed by various media outlets. However, the psychological impact of the air strikes on the Russian public should not be underestimated, as they serve to remind Russians that the war is close to home.
As the talks unfold, it is crucial to remember that the ultimate goal should be a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations involved.
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