Trump Initiates Peace Talks for Ukraine as He Plans Saudi Meeting with Putin
President Trump has launched discussions to end the Ukraine conflict and plans a meeting with Russian President Putin in Saudi Arabia, confirming Ukraine’s absence from talks. Noteworthy calls with both leaders signal intensified U.S. efforts just before the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion. Trump’s negotiating team has been reshuffled, and there are considerations for Ukraine to make significant concessions, including Crimea and NATO ambitions.
President Donald Trump has initiated peace talks regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, announcing a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia. Although the specific date for the meeting remains undecided, Trump confirmed that Ukraine was not included in these discussions. He indicated that formal talks to resolve the nearly three-year conflict have commenced and appointed a dedicated team to facilitate negotiations.
Following a notable phone call with Putin, this meeting marks Trump’s heightened engagement in international diplomacy during his presidency. He also communicated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing a fresh commitment to resolving the war, which marks its third anniversary since Russia’s invasion.
During a European visit by his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, the implications of Ukraine conceding Crimea and forsaking NATO ambitions were considered as necessary steps for a resolution. Echoing this sentiment, Trump remarked, “I think probably that’s true… I don’t think it’s practical to have it,” acknowledging the complex realities involved in negotiations.
Putin reportedly invited Trump to Russia during their conversation, and Trump reciprocated by suggesting that a visit from Putin to the United States could also be beneficial. He revealed plans for mutual visits between their nations and emphasized the urgent need for immediate negotiations.
In a shift to his negotiating team, Trump appointed several high-profile officials, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, for the peace discussions. This restructuring excluded Keith Kellogg, the previous special envoy to Russia and Ukraine, though Kellogg remains involved with the administration, assisting upcoming discussions in Kyiv.
In light of ongoing diplomatic efforts, Trump’s Cabinet members, including Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, are actively engaging with European stakeholders. Hegseth articulated that a return to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is unfeasible and emphasized that security guarantees for Ukraine must be formed with the involvement of both European and non-European troops.
Zelenskyy has previously asserted that European security guarantees lack substance without American support, indicating that a cohesive international approach is vital for Ukraine’s security framework.
In summary, President Trump has initiated talks aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine, planning a meeting with President Putin in Saudi Arabia, while Ukraine remains uninvited. As discussions unfold, the potential for concessions involving Crimea and an acknowledgment of NATO limitations emerge as key factors. Trump’s strategic shifts in his negotiating team and reliance on European allies underscore the complexity and urgency of achieving a resolution to the ongoing war.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
