The last time both leaders were in the same room was in 2019, prior to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Trump indicated to have started arrangements, but the Kremlin’s take on the conversation was notably less affirmative, suggesting a vague agreement to elevate discussions rather than confirm a summit.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested a meeting could occur within two weeks but expressed uncertainty about Putin's willingness to attend. Trump hinted at potential consequences for Russia if Putin fails to engage in peace efforts but provided no further elaboration. As speculations continue, the possibility of an actual meeting seems dim.
From Moscow's perspective, the readiness to engage in talks comes with a caveat: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov mentioned a need for preconditions to be met ahead of any discussions. This includes a vague outline of "issues" that must be resolved, which are likely to be unacceptable to Ukraine.
While last week's remarks from Trump's envoy suggested Russia could agree to security guarantees for Ukraine, the terms proposed mirror earlier offers that Ukraine outright rejected. The Kremlin's terms would fortify Russia's influence and military operations, rendering Ukraine's defense capabilities inadequate.
Zelensky has voiced that any meeting with Putin is contingent upon support from Kyiv’s allies and sufficient security guarantees, which Russia would inherently reject. Each side continues to blame the other for stalling negotiations.
Potential summit locations are a topic of debate amid speculation. Budapest, previously suggested as a host city, faces criticism for its perceived bias against Ukraine due to its Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ties with Putin and reluctance to support Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland openly opposed Budapest as a venue, recalling historical precedents that soured Ukrainian security guarantees.
Amidst these criticisms, other locations have been proposed. French President Emmanuel Macron suggested Switzerland, known for its neutrality, while Zelensky mentioned Austria and Turkey. The Vatican and Saudi Arabia have also been floated as viable options for hosting peace talks.
Despite these discussions, the conflict shows no signs of resolution. Ukraine reported striking an oil facility in Russia's Rostov region, with Russia retaliating with its most extensive strikes on Ukraine in recent weeks. Zelensky emphasized the need for persistent pressure on Moscow to engage sincerely in negotiations to seek an end to the ongoing war.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested a meeting could occur within two weeks but expressed uncertainty about Putin's willingness to attend. Trump hinted at potential consequences for Russia if Putin fails to engage in peace efforts but provided no further elaboration. As speculations continue, the possibility of an actual meeting seems dim.
From Moscow's perspective, the readiness to engage in talks comes with a caveat: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov mentioned a need for preconditions to be met ahead of any discussions. This includes a vague outline of "issues" that must be resolved, which are likely to be unacceptable to Ukraine.
While last week's remarks from Trump's envoy suggested Russia could agree to security guarantees for Ukraine, the terms proposed mirror earlier offers that Ukraine outright rejected. The Kremlin's terms would fortify Russia's influence and military operations, rendering Ukraine's defense capabilities inadequate.
Zelensky has voiced that any meeting with Putin is contingent upon support from Kyiv’s allies and sufficient security guarantees, which Russia would inherently reject. Each side continues to blame the other for stalling negotiations.
Potential summit locations are a topic of debate amid speculation. Budapest, previously suggested as a host city, faces criticism for its perceived bias against Ukraine due to its Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ties with Putin and reluctance to support Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland openly opposed Budapest as a venue, recalling historical precedents that soured Ukrainian security guarantees.
Amidst these criticisms, other locations have been proposed. French President Emmanuel Macron suggested Switzerland, known for its neutrality, while Zelensky mentioned Austria and Turkey. The Vatican and Saudi Arabia have also been floated as viable options for hosting peace talks.
Despite these discussions, the conflict shows no signs of resolution. Ukraine reported striking an oil facility in Russia's Rostov region, with Russia retaliating with its most extensive strikes on Ukraine in recent weeks. Zelensky emphasized the need for persistent pressure on Moscow to engage sincerely in negotiations to seek an end to the ongoing war.