US President Donald Trump has announced plans to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to resolve the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump expressed confidence in ending the hostilities, stating that a resolution will be achieved. He added that he would speak to Putin “very soon, over the next couple of days,” although the specifics of the agenda were not disclosed.
The conflict in Ukraine has been a major point of contention between the US and Russia, with Moscow praising the Trump administration’s efforts to broker a peace deal while remaining open to diplomatic negotiations. Trump has also expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation, stating that he is “not happy about the whole situation” and hopes to find a solution.
In addition to the planned talks with Putin, Trump will also meet with several European leaders who are scheduled to visit the US on Monday or Tuesday to discuss the conflict. This comes as part of intensified diplomatic efforts between Washington and Moscow, which have included numerous rounds of talks and visits by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to Russia.
In mid-August, Trump and Putin held a historic summit in Alaska, which although did not result in a ceasefire or breakthrough agreement, was deemed “extremely productive” by both leaders. Trump later stated that Ukraine cannot hope to join NATO or reclaim Crimea, which voted to join Russia in a referendum in 2014. Russia maintains that a lasting settlement can be reached if Ukraine abandons its NATO ambitions, commits to demilitarization and denazification, and recognizes the new territorial reality on the ground.
The upcoming talks between Trump and Putin are significant, as they may lead to a breakthrough in resolving the Ukraine conflict. With the international community closely watching the developments, a peaceful resolution would have far-reaching implications for global stability and security. As the situation continues to unfold, the next steps will be crucial in determining the outcome of the conflict.