Trump and Putin Plan Meeting in Saudi Arabia to Discuss Ukraine Peace Talks
Trump plans to meet Putin in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine peace talks, indicating a thaw in U.S.-Russia relations. Both leaders agree to work closely, and Trump communicates with Ukraine’s Zelensky. Concerns exist about Ukraine’s exclusion from negotiations, while Trump suggests utilizing Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in the military aid discussion.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia, aiming to discuss peace talks regarding Ukraine. This follows a recent phone call between the two leaders, marking a significant shift in relations after a prolonged period of tension due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Trump described the conversation as lengthy and productive, emphasizing the need to resolve the ongoing conflict quickly.
During a news briefing, Trump expressed confidence that both leaders would soon meet, with the involvement of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who facilitated a recent prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia. The Kremlin confirmed the phone call lasted approximately 90 minutes and revealed that both leaders agreed to collaborative efforts to seek peace in Ukraine.
Trump’s advocacy for peace was highlighted through his announcement on Truth Social, where he mentioned their mutual desire to halt the ongoing deaths and destruction caused by the war. Following the call, Trump reached out to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was not included in the discussion. Zelensky characterized his conversation with Trump as meaningful and provided details regarding his talks with Putin.
Concerns have arisen about the potential exclusion of Ukraine from negotiations directly affecting its future. Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth recently stated that Ukraine’s goal of restoring borders to pre-2014 status is unrealistic and suggested that NATO membership aspirations may not be practical, reflecting Moscow’s key demands. However, Trump dismissed the notion that Zelensky would be sidelined in talks regarding peace negotiations.
Zelensky is seeking strengthened security assurances from the U.S. amid any agreements with Russia. Meanwhile, Trump suggested a potential arrangement involving Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as part of continued military support. As diplomatic discussions progress, Zelensky is scheduled to meet with U.S. officials at the Munich Security Conference.
Trump and Putin’s anticipated meeting in Saudi Arabia marks a notable shift toward dialogue regarding the Ukraine conflict. While both leaders express a desire for peace, the exclusion of Ukraine from direct negotiations raises concerns about its national interests. Striking a balance between U.S. support for Ukraine and negotiations with Russia presents complexities, highlighted by issues around security guarantees and territorial disputes.
Original Source: www.bryantimes.com
