Preparations are in motion for a potential in-person meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as indicated by a Russian deputy foreign minister on Saturday. This announcement reflects a significant shift from the West’s approach of isolating Russia following its actions in Ukraine.
Sergei Ryabkov, speaking to Russian media, noted that a proposed summit between Putin and Trump could encompass a range of global topics, extending beyond the conflict in Ukraine. He emphasized the goal of re-establishing normalized relations between the two nations and addressing various pressing issues, with Ukraine being a central concern.
Although discussions regarding the meeting are in the initial stages, Ryabkov asserted that intensive preparation would be necessary to set the groundwork. He also mentioned that envoys from both countries might convene in the upcoming fortnight to facilitate further discussions among higher-level officials.
During a meeting in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, representatives from both nations reached a consensus to initiate efforts aimed at concluding the conflict in Ukraine and enhancing diplomatic and economic relations, signaling an unexpected shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s administration. Senior officials from the U.S. have indicated that Ukraine may need to reconsider its ambitions concerning NATO membership and cede control over territories taken by Russia.
Following the meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that both parties broadly agreed to focus on restoring embassy staffing, forming a high-level team for Ukraine peace negotiations, and exploring closer ties and economic collaboration. He highlighted that although the meeting, involving Lavrov and other significant officials from both sides, was a promising starting point, considerable work remains.
No representatives from Ukraine attended the discussions in Saudi Arabia, a pivotal moment as their country struggles against an overwhelming Russian military nearly three years after the invasion began. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his country’s refusal to accept any negotiations concerning its future without its involvement and delayed his earlier planned visit to Saudi Arabia. European allies have echoed concerns about feeling left out of the process.
In a recent radio interview, Trump softened his previous comments blaming Ukraine for the war, stating that both President Zelenskyy and former President Joe Biden should have better managed relations with Putin. He reiterated that while Russia initiated the conflict, there was a responsibility on the part of Ukraine to prevent the attack.
With the invasion commencing on February 24, 2022, Putin claimed it was necessary to safeguard Russian-speaking individuals in eastern Ukraine and to thwart Ukraine’s NATO membership ambitions. During a news conference in the Oval Office, Trump remarked that the war’s impact on the U.S. was minimal since it occurs over the ocean, though it substantially affects Europe.
On Saturday, Trump confirmed his acknowledgment of the Russian invasion, stating, “These deaths are the result of various factors that led to Russia’s decision to invade.” He expressed confidence that the situation would ultimately resolve, stating, “I believe this conflict must come to an end.” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for his contrasting stance on Ukraine compared to other European leaders, indicated Hungary’s view of Ukraine as a “buffer zone” and suggested that Budapest could obstruct Kyiv’s path to EU membership.
On the other hand, thousands gathered in London waving Ukrainian flags, rallying for increased support for Ukraine and demanding its inclusion in ongoing peace talks. Protesters expressed discontent with Trump, labeling him a “traitor” to Ukraine while calling for the withdrawal of Russian troops and enhanced military assistance for Kyiv.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scheduled to visit Washington for discussions centered on Ukraine and emphasized that Kyiv’s involvement is crucial for any decisions regarding its future. During a conversation with Zelenskyy, Starmer reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s firm support for Ukraine and its commitment to achieving a fair and lasting peace.
Furthermore, Ukraine’s foreign minister held a series of discussions with several European diplomats to coordinate strategies amid the evolving situation and uncertainty surrounding U.S. foreign policy. He warned that permitting Putin to prevail would have dire consequences for stability affecting every family across Europe and the United States.
