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Trump also addressed the White House-imposed deadline for Moscow to pause its conflict in Ukraine.
Ukraine has emphasised the importance of European involvement in any peace negotiations
US President Donald Trump could meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days, according to multiple reports. The potential meeting has generated significant speculation, particularly around whether Putin would first hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump has now dismissed those rumours, stating clearly that a prior meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders is not a prerequisite for US-Russia discussions.
When asked whether Putin would need to meet with Zelenskyy before engaging in talks with the United States, Trump responded unequivocally, “No, he doesn’t. No.”
Trump also addressed the White House-imposed deadline for Moscow to pause its conflict in Ukraine or face new US sanctions. When pressed on what action he might take as the deadline nears on Friday he said, “It’s going to be up to him. We’re going to see what he has to say.” The President added, “Very disappointed. I don’t like long waits. I think it’s a shame.”
Russia’s deputy UN Ambassador, Dmitry Polyanskiy, echoed the sentiment that a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy is unlikely before any engagement with Trump. “I haven’t heard about any meeting planned, but I am not in the loop,” he told reporters.
While the exact location of the anticipated Trump-Putin meeting has yet to be confirmed, reports suggest it could take place next week in the United Arab Emirates. President Putin has expressed optimism about the potential meeting. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that logistical details were still being finalised.
This would mark the first official meeting between the two leaders since Trump assumed office for his second term. The last formal US-Russia presidential meeting occurred in June 2021, when President Vladimir Putin met with then-President Joe Biden in Geneva.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has emphasised the importance of European involvement in any peace negotiations. President Zelenskyy recently stated, “Europe must be a participant in the relevant processes. The war is happening in Europe, and Ukraine is an integral part of Europe.”
According to a report by The New York Times, Trump has already briefed several European leaders on his intention to meet with Putin. The meeting may eventually lead to a broader trilateral summit involving Zelenskyy.
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Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
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