Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov announced on Thursday that the location for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump has been determined and will be revealed shortly. This meeting, if it occurs, would mark the first direct encounter between sitting leaders of Russia and the United States since Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, met with Putin in Geneva in June 2021.
Ushakov mentioned that discussions regarding the meeting's details are underway, with American officials also involved in the talks. Putin has suggested that the United Arab Emirates could be a suitable venue for the encounter. During a recent call, Trump informed European leaders about his plans to meet with Putin, indicating that he would subsequently involve Ukrainian President Zelensky in trilateral discussions.
Trump noted on Wednesday that significant progress had been made by his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, during his recent meeting with Putin, which focused on the escalating crisis involving Russia and Ukraine. He emphasized that all parties agree that the ongoing conflict needs resolution. Zelensky has echoed this sentiment, advocating for a direct meeting with Putin to facilitate peace.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration is reportedly planning to impose new tariffs on countries that import Russian oil as part of efforts to weaken Russia's economy. Trump signed an executive order enforcing a 25-percent tariff on Indian imports due to its oil purchases from Russia, prompting India's Ministry of External Affairs to label this move as unjustified, asserting that its oil imports are essential for maintaining energy affordability for its people.
Experts, including Yang Jin from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, have expressed doubts about the likelihood of the Putin-Trump meeting yielding any substantive progress in resolving the conflict. The current stances of the US, Russia, Ukraine, and Europe are highly polarized, with no indication of a willingness to compromise, along with a significant lack of trust hindering productive communication between Washington and Moscow.
6 Comments
Fuerza
Putin has no interest in peace talks; he's only looking to further his own agenda. Why would we think Trump can change that?
Manolo Noriega
The last thing we need is Trump's influence in foreign policy again. This meeting is just a slap in the face to democracy.
Fuerza
Trump has a unique relationship with Putin; maybe he can leverage that for peace talks.
Ongania
Finally, a step towards dialogue! Meetings like this are essential for de-escalating tensions.
Fuerza
It’s about time someone took initiative! The world needs serious talks about Russia and Ukraine.
BuggaBoom
More tariffs and conflict? Trump was never a great leader, and he won't be one now. This meeting won't help anyone.