Trump and Putin Plan Saudi Meeting for Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Global Concerns

U.S. President Donald Trump plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia for peace talks regarding Ukraine. The meeting follows a significant phone call that indicates a thaw in relations between the two nations. Meanwhile, China has proposed hosting a summit to facilitate peace efforts. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy remains concerned about being excluded from negotiations that impact his country’s fate, even as discussions continue among U.S. and European leaders about the necessity of Ukraine’s involvement.

On February 12, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump disclosed plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia to discuss peace in Ukraine. This announcement follows a significant phone call between the two leaders, marking a remarkable shift in U.S.-Russia relations. Despite Trump’s assertion that Ukraine’s desires to join NATO are impractical, concerns have emerged regarding Ukraine’s exclusion from discussions directly affecting its sovereignty.

Trump stated his anticipation of a meeting with Putin in Saudi Arabia, facilitated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Kremlin confirmed that their conversation lasted nearly ninety minutes, during which both leaders agreed on the necessity to collaborate toward resolving ongoing conflicts. Putin also invited Trump to visit Moscow, indicating a potential readiness to negotiate.

Simultaneously, China has suggested hosting a summit aimed at facilitating peace talks between Trump and Putin. Chinese officials reportedly communicated this proposal through intermediaries, emphasizing their intent to assist in peacekeeping efforts post-truce. Beijing has faced pressure from Western nations to leverage its ties with Russia in pursuit of an end to hostilities.

After his call with Putin, Trump reached out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy described their conversation as meaningful, during which he shared insights from his exchange with Putin. Trump commented that both leaders share a desire for peace, as Zelenskyy and Trump agreed to initiate the formation of high-level teams tasked with negotiating terms and monitoring progress.

Concerns persist that U.S. negotiations may lean in favor of Russia’s expectations. Statements from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth describing Ukraine’s ambitions to regain pre-2014 borders as illusory have raised alarms in Kyiv. Advocates for Ukraine insist on maintaining its independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty as non-negotiable.

Zelenskyy is scheduled to engage further with U.S. officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, at the Munich Security Conference. Meanwhile, a recent prisoner swap has been interpreted as a positive sign of improving relations between the U.S. and Russia. Trump’s past expressions of admiration for Putin have drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding their potential impact on Ukraine’s future.

Amid these developments, European foreign ministers have asserted that lasting peace in the region requires Kyiv’s involvement. Importantly, they emphasized that any discussions about Ukraine’s future must include its leaders to ensure a fair and just resolution.

In summary, the recent developments surrounding the proposed meeting between President Trump and President Putin signal a significant moment in U.S.-Russia relations, with implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While both leaders express a desire for peace, concerns about Ukraine’s role in negotiations remain paramount. Additionally, China’s proposed involvement in peace talks underscores the complexity of international diplomacy surrounding this issue. The upcoming discussions in Munich will be critical in determining the path forward for Ukraine’s sovereignty and its relationships with Western allies.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com