In a bold move to reignite peace talks, former US President Donald Trump has proposed a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address the ongoing war in Ukraine. This initiative comes amid renewed discussions between Trump and both leaders, signalling a potential shift in the geopolitical landscape.
Recent Developments
According to reports, Trump had separate phone calls with Putin and Zelenskyy, where both leaders expressed a desire for peace. After these conversations, Trump ordered his top officials to commence negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, which has persisted for nearly three years.
Trump stated, “I think we’re on the way to getting peace. I just want to see people stop getting killed.” This statement reflects a growing urgency for dialogue, especially as no formal peace talks have occurred since early in the conflict.
China’s Role
Interestingly, China has also floated the idea of hosting a summit between the two leaders. Reports from The Wall Street Journal indicate that Chinese officials have been in discussions with Trump’s team about facilitating peacekeeping efforts after a potential truce.
- China aims to promote peace talks on its own terms.
- A peace plan proposed last year included equal representation from both Ukraine and Russia.
US Administration’s Position
New US officials have expressed differing views on Ukraine’s aspirations. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that it was unrealistic for Kyiv to hope to regain all territories occupied since 2014, including Crimea, which Russia annexed in that year.
Hegseth’s comments represent a notable shift in the US stance, stating, “Chasing this illusionary goal will only prolong the war and cause more suffering.” This candid assessment could pave the way for more pragmatic negotiations.
Future Prospects
Looking forward, Trump indicated that he and Putin would likely meet soon—potentially in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy has proposed a deal whereby the US would invest in Ukraine’s mineral resources, suggesting a strategy to strengthen Ukraine’s position post-war.
As the situation develops, European nations continue to insist that Ukraine’s future must involve its active participation in discussions, further complicating the dynamics of peace negotiations.