U.S. President Donald Trump plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia for peace talks on Ukraine, following a productive phone call between the two leaders. Concerns arise that Ukraine may be excluded from these discussions, despite Trump’s assurances of its involvement. Meanwhile, China has proposed hosting a summit to facilitate peace efforts in the ongoing conflict, emphasizing their willingness to help broker a truce.
On February 12, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia to discuss peace negotiations regarding Ukraine. This announcement follows a significant phone conversation between the two leaders that marked the first confirmed contact since Trump’s return to the White House. The conversation was characterized by Trump as “lengthy and highly productive,” amidst concerns that Ukraine may not be adequately represented in the negotiations.
President Trump expressed optimism about the upcoming meeting, stating, “We expect that he’ll come here, and I’ll go there — and we’re going to meet probably in Saudi Arabia the first time.” This engagement is seen as a potential breakthrough in U.S.-Russia relations. In addition to the meeting, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to play a role, particularly following his involvement in recent U.S.-Russia prisoner exchanges.
Simultaneously, China has proposed hosting a summit between Trump and Putin as part of efforts to facilitate peace in Ukraine. Chinese officials have communicated with Trump’s team about their willingness to mediate in developing a truce and enhancing peacekeeping efforts. China’s involvement arises from growing international pressure for Beijing to utilize its relationship with Moscow to contribute to conflict resolution.
After his discussion with Putin, President Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who emphasized the importance of transparency in the talks. Zelenskyy described their call as “meaningful” and expressed his desire for active involvement in any resulting negotiations. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials are preparing to establish high-level teams to collaborate with U.S. counterparts on potential agreements.
Concerns regarding the U.S. aligning too closely with Russian demands were echoed by Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, who commented that Ukraine’s aspirations to regain territories from 2014 are unrealistic. Mr. Trump defended the process by insisting that Ukraine is not being sidelined and reaffirmed his commitment to its sovereignty during the ongoing discussions.
Vladimir Putin, through a Kremlin statement, mentioned that he and Trump have recognized the importance of addressing the “root causes” of the conflict, which Russia attributes to Western influence over Ukraine. While there have been signs of diplomatic thawing, including a recent prisoner swap, skepticism persists in Ukraine and among European allies regarding a potential agreement’s implications.
The dialogues between President Trump and President Putin represent a pivotal moment in U.S.-Russia relations, with peace talks concerning Ukraine gaining momentum. However, concerns remain over the inclusion of Ukraine in discussions, and the West continues to urge that any resolution should involve Kyiv directly. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact regional stability and the future of U.S.-Europe relations.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
