President Trump plans a meeting with President Putin in Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine peace talks. This follows a lengthy phone call between the leaders, prompting concerns regarding Ukraine’s involvement in negotiations. China has proposed hosting a summit to aid peace efforts. Both leaders aim to establish high-level teams to negotiate further, while emphasizing the importance of Ukraine’s territorial integrity in discussions.
United States President Donald Trump announced on February 12, 2025, that he anticipates a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia to discuss peace talks concerning Ukraine. This development follows a significant phone call between the two leaders, indicating a possible thaw in relations since Mr. Trump’s return to the White House. China has also proposed to host a summit aimed at facilitating peace negotiations between Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
During their conversation, which lasted approximately one-and-a-half hours, Trump described it as both “lengthy and highly productive.” Following this dialogue, concerns emerged regarding Ukraine’s exclusion from potential negotiations. Mr. Trump expressed his views that Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership are impractical, which aligns with Russia’s demands. He asserted that Ukraine would not be excluded from discussions about its future, contrary to fears expressed by Ukrainian officials.
The Kremlin reported that the two leaders agreed it was time to collaborate, with Putin inviting Trump to Moscow. Trump indicated that the anticipated meeting in Saudi Arabia, facilitated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, should occur soon. This initiative arises as the war in Ukraine approaches its third year, amid significant calls for peace from the international community.
After his call with Putin, Mr. Trump reached out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had not participated in the earlier discussions. Zelenskyy described their conversation as “meaningful,” where he shared insights from his talks with Putin. Moreover, both leaders agreed to form high-level teams to commence immediate negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict.
While there are moves toward dialogue, critics have raised alarms regarding the implications of Trump’s discussions with Putin. The Pentagon’s Chief Pete Hegseth conveyed earlier that Ukraine’s ambitions to revert to its pre-2014 borders are unrealistic, echoing sentiments that could align with Russia’s conditions. Mr. Trump has refuted these criticisms, asserting that Zelenskyy’s agency in negotiations remains intact and that his government does not endorse Russia’s preconditions.
Additionally, Ukrainian officials emphasize the importance of preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in any agreements reached. Zelenskyy’s government continues to seek robust security guarantees from the United States, while Trump has suggested an arrangement involving Ukraine’s rare minerals as part of ongoing military support.
Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference, with further discussions occurring shortly thereafter. The Kremlin reiterated its stance that a long-term settlement requires addressing the foundational causes of the conflict, which they attribute to Western influence in Kyiv. Signs of improved relations emerged recently through a prisoner exchange deal, further influencing the dynamics of the ongoing negotiations.
Despite the progress suggested by these conversations and exchanges, concern persists among Kyiv and its European allies about the nature of potential agreements, emphasizing that any peace must involve Ukraine’s active participation and those of its European partners. The foreign ministers of France, Germany, and Spain stated unequivocally that a just and lasting peace cannot be achieved without Ukraine’s engagement and support.
In summary, President Trump’s proposed meeting with President Putin signifies a notable shift in U.S.-Russia relations, with the aim of advancing peace talks regarding Ukraine. While discussions are underway, apprehensions about Ukraine’s exclusion from critical negotiations remain at the forefront, urging a need for transparent and inclusive dialogue. International stakeholders underscore the importance of involving Ukraine and its allies in ensuring any resolution is just and enduring.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
