Trump and Putin Plan Meeting in Saudi Arabia Amid Ukraine Peace Efforts
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine peace talks following a constructive phone call. China’s proposal for a summit with the two leaders aims to assist in ending the war. However, concerns arise regarding Ukraine’s exclusion from the negotiations, especially as Trump has questioned Kyiv’s NATO ambitions.
On February 12, 2025, United States President Donald Trump announced his expectation to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia for discussions focused on achieving peace regarding Ukraine. This announcement follows an unexpected and productive telephone conversation between the two leaders, marking a significant change in relations. There are concerns, however, regarding Ukraine’s involvement in this dialogue after Trump deemed Kyiv’s NATO aspirations “not practical,” a viewpoint aligned with Moscow’s stance.
Trump, who is advocating for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict, indicated that he expects the meeting with Putin to occur soon. Additionally, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who facilitated a recent prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia, is anticipated to participate in the discussions. The Kremlin reported that their recent call lasted approximately one-and-a-half hours, establishing a mutual agreement to collaborate going forward.
In parallel, China has proposed hosting a summit between Trump and Putin to aid in resolving the Ukraine crisis, a gesture aimed at leveraging its close ties with Russia. Chinese officials have communicated their offer through various intermediaries, emphasizing a desire to foster peace on their terms despite Western calls for intervention. This development underscores China’s positioning as a key player in international peace efforts.
After speaking with Putin, President Trump reached out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was not part of the prior call. Zelenskyy described his discussion with Trump as significant, during which they agreed to coordinate efforts between their respective teams to negotiate a resolution. Both leaders are enthusiastic about pursuing peace, although anxieties remain regarding the possibility of Ukraine being sidelined in direct negotiations between the U.S. and Russia.
Concerns about the talks have been echoed by Pentagon leaders who suggested that Ukraine’s objectives, such as reclaiming territory lost since 2014, may need to be reassessed. Trump denied allegations that Zelenskyy would be excluded from discussions, affirming that Kyiv’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. Ukrainian officials continue to assert their need for strong security assurances from the U.S. as part of any prospective agreement.
The proposed meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin in Saudi Arabia demonstrates a potential thaw in U.S.-Russia relations amid ongoing concerns for Ukraine’s role in the negotiations. China’s involvement in facilitating peace underscores its strategic stakes in the conflict. Nonetheless, persistent anxiety surrounds Ukraine’s inclusion and the impact of U.S. foreign policy decisions on its sovereignty. Continued dialogue between Trump and Zelenskyy suggests a joint commitment to ensuring Ukraine’s interests are not overlooked during negotiations with Russia.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
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