Zelensky sets off for a video conference with Trump in Berlin - Zelenskyy heads to Berlin for a video conference with Trump
US President Donald Trump and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin are set to discuss the future of Ukraine at their summit in Alaska. The meeting, while high-profile, is not expected to result in an immediate resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
The current developments following the summit focus on efforts to arrange a bilateral meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a key step toward peace talks. President Trump has actively pushed for this meeting to happen soon, emphasising the urgency to prevent further casualties in the ongoing war and underscoring that progress depends on both leaders establishing some rapport.
However, obstacles remain. Russia's resistance to direct negotiations without conditions and Ukraine’s refusal to cede territory are major hurdles. Moscow has not confirmed Putin's participation, and insists on being involved in discussions about security guarantees for Ukraine. Russia’s demands include influence over the Donbas region, which Ukraine firmly resists due to constitutional prohibitions on surrendering sovereign territory.
Trump has encouraged European partners to provide security guarantees for Ukraine and described rallying them for a lasting resolution. He criticised delays suggested by some European leaders, stressing that waiting months would lead to tens of thousands more deaths, hence his push for immediate talks.
The prospects for a fair peace hinge on whether Putin and Zelenskyy meet soon, whether security guarantees acceptable to Ukraine can be arranged, and if both sides can find compromise on contested regions like Donbas. The summit in Alaska raises the question of whether a fair peace is possible, given Russia's violation of international law.
The ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia has not been resolved prior to the summit in Alaska. The summit takes place after more than three years of Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin's attack on Ukraine. The fear is that Russia may emerge as the winner from the violation of international law in Ukraine.
The summit in Alaska does not include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky or representatives of the European Union. This raises questions about the future of Ukraine's sovereignty, as the discussions take place without the direct involvement of those most affected by the conflict.
Despite these challenges, there is cautious hope for peace in Ukraine due to the upcoming summit. The summit is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and its outcome could have far-reaching implications for international relations.
- The European Union and its Member States have been advocating for a comprehensive policy-and-legislation approach towards addressing war-and-conflicts, including those in Ukraine, and they are closely monitoring the upcoming summit in Alaska.
- General-news outlets covering the summit in Alaska are highlighting the politics surrounding the discussions, including the pressing need for President Trump to involve the European Union and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to secure a lasting resolution for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
