Trump and Putin Set for Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia Amid…

U.S. President Donald Trump plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine peace talks following a productive initial call. China has offered to facilitate further discussions to aid in ending the conflict. Concerns about Ukraine’s exclusion from negotiations remain, as both leaders aim for a resolution while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.

On February 12, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia to discuss peace talks concerning Ukraine. This development follows a significant phone conversation between the two leaders, amidst a backdrop of concerns that Ukraine’s interests may be overlooked, particularly regarding its aspirations for NATO membership.

Mr. Trump described their initial conversation as “lengthy and highly productive,” emphasizing that both parties agreed on the necessity for collaboration. He noted that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman would also participate in the discussions, which are expected to occur in the near future. The Kremlin confirmed that Mr. Putin proposed hosting Mr. Trump in Moscow.

Simultaneously, China has offered to facilitate a summit to support resolution efforts for the Ukraine conflict. This proposal, communicated through intermediaries, aligns with China’s assertions of promoting peace talks, despite its non-involvement in the crisis. Western officials have urged China to leverage its close ties with Russia to aid in ending the war.

Following his conversation with Mr. Putin, Mr. Trump reached out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose exclusion from the earlier call had raised alarms. The Ukrainian leader described the discussion as “meaningful” and asserted that he and Mr. Trump would expedite the formation of high-level teams to work towards a potential agreement between their respective governments.

However, Mr. Trump’s dialogue with Mr. Putin has incited worries that the U.S. might be yielding to Russian demands. Amidst this, Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth articulated doubts regarding Ukraine’s ambitions of reinstating its international boundaries and pursuing NATO membership, positions seen as vital to Moscow. Ukrainian officials have reiterated that their independence and territorial sovereignty must remain intact in any negotiations.

Foreign ministers from France, Germany, and Spain have emphasized the necessity for Ukraine’s involvement in discussions aimed at achieving a lasting peace. Meanwhile, recent events include a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia, signaling some thaw in relations. Despite Mr. Trump’s previous admiration for Mr. Putin, uncertainty persists regarding the outcomes of a potential agreement and its implications for Ukraine’s future.

The anticipated meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin marks a significant diplomatic initiative aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Concerns remain about the extent of Ukraine’s involvement and the implications of the discussions led by these two leaders. The recent proposals from China for additional dialogue and the emphasis on Ukraine’s sovereign needs highlight the intricacies of achieving a comprehensive and just resolution.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com