Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his hope to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, possibly in the UAE next week. This comes just before a White House deadline for Russia to show progress in the ongoing war in Ukraine, or face more economic sanctions.
As of Thursday morning, the meeting’s location was not confirmed. A White House official indicated that if Putin does not agree to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a summit with Trump may not occur. Although Putin has said he is open to talks with Zelenskyy, he highlighted that “certain conditions” must be met first.
Zelenskyy and European leaders are worried about being sidelined in negotiations. Europe’s support remains steadfast, promising to back Ukraine until the conflict is resolved. Recent discussions have centered on the necessity for a direct dialogue with both American and European input.
In the backdrop of these political maneuvers, Ukraine is feeling pressure. A new Gallup poll shows a significant change in public sentiment. About 70% of Ukrainians now favor negotiating a peace settlement, which contrasts sharply with 2022, when most wanted to continue fighting. This shift may signal a growing fatigue with the ongoing conflict, as locals express mixed feelings about the potential Trump-Putin meeting. Some believe negotiations could bring peace, while others doubt any productive outcomes.
The economic toll of the war is undeniable. The United Nations reports catastrophic losses on all fronts, including over 12,000 civilian lives and countless military fatalities. Critics say Putin’s persistent refusal to make concessions is stalling genuine progress toward peace.
As the international community looks on, the stakes remain high. A successful summit could reshape not just U.S.-Russia relations, but also Ukraine’s future, underscoring the complex interplay of diplomacy during wartime. Though there is hope for a breakthrough, many are cautious, especially given the devastating realities on the ground in Ukraine.
For more in-depth analysis, you can visit the AP news coverage on the war in Ukraine.
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