Trump Anticipates Meeting Putin in Saudi Arabia After Productive Call on Ukraine
Trump reported a productive call with Putin about ending the Ukraine war, expressing intentions to involve U.S. officials in negotiations. The Kremlin confirmed the call, with plans for a potential meeting in Saudi Arabia. Trump also contacted Zelensky to inform him of the discussions, while U.S. officials downplay Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, focusing instead on domestic security matters.
President Donald Trump reported a significant phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating they discussed strategies to conclude the war in Ukraine. He announced he would task Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials to initiate negotiations. Furthermore, Trump expressed optimism about future collaboration between the U.S. and Russia on various issues beyond the conflict in Ukraine.
The Kremlin confirmed the conversation lasted for approximately an hour and a half, with Putin extending an invitation for Trump to visit Moscow. Trump mentioned that he anticipates a meeting with Putin in Saudi Arabia, indicating a mutual desire for dialogue between their nations.
Following the call with Putin, Trump reached out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasizing the need to inform him of the discussions. Zelensky shared that they aligned on peace efforts and emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to working with the U.S. towards a lasting resolution against Russian aggression.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commented on the situation, asserting that the U.S. does not foresee Ukraine joining NATO and believes reestablishing Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is unrealistic. He underscored a shift in focus for the U.S., prioritizing domestic security over European or Ukrainian concerns.
Trump mirrored Hegseth’s assessment regarding Ukraine’s NATO membership, stating that expecting such a development is impractical. He had previously claimed he could have resolved the war swiftly and indicated dissatisfaction with Putin’s current approach to the conflict.
The recent conversation occurred a day after the U.S. welcomed home Marc Fogel, an American schoolteacher wrongfully detained in Russia, highlighting a nuanced diplomatic moment amid ongoing tensions.
In summary, Trump’s recent communication with Putin signifies a strategic move towards negotiating an end to the Ukraine conflict. By involving key government officials and communicating with Zelensky, Trump aims to foster collaboration between the U.S. and Russia. The conversation’s outcomes reflect a shift in U.S. priorities as it reassesses its stance on NATO and Ukraine’s membership. Furthermore, the timing of this dialogue follows a diplomatic success with the release of Marc Fogel, enhancing the context of U.S.-Russia relations.
Original Source: www.forbes.com
