Title: Zelenskyy and Trump Aim for Peace Talks in Washington, Amid Ongoing Ukraine Crisis
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet with former US President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, aiming to address the protracted conflict in Ukraine, which has persisted for over three years. This meeting comes shortly after Trump’s discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which concluded without a definitive agreement.
Following the talks, Trump shared on his Truth Social platform that the discussions with Putin "went very well." He emphasized the collective agreement on the necessity of pursuing a comprehensive Peace Agreement rather than a temporary Ceasefire Agreement, which often fails to hold.
Analysts speculate that Trump’s advocacy for a peace agreement stems from the absence of a deal in the Alaska summit. Prior to the meeting, Trump had issued warnings to Moscow regarding a ceasefire.
Reporting from Moscow, Al Jazeera’s Osama Bin Javaid noted a prevailing sense of optimism. "Trump’s focus on a broader peace treaty aligns with Putin’s recent rhetoric," he stated.
Both Zelenskyy and his European allies, who have called for a ceasefire, welcomed Trump and Putin’s discussions but stressed the need for robust security guarantees for Ukraine. Reflecting on his previous encounters with Trump, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the invitation and mentioned their “long and substantive conversation.”
Zelenskyy reiterated that if Russia continues to evade a genuine resolution, sanctions should be intensified. He stressed that Ukraine seeks not just a temporary halt to hostilities but genuine, lasting peace. His post on X highlighted the necessity of ensuring security with the involvement of both Europe and the US.
Trilateral Meeting on the Table
In his initial remarks following the Alaska discussions, Zelenskyy expressed support for Trump’s proposal of a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia, indicating that Ukraine is “ready for constructive cooperation.” He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to achieving peace.
However, Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, remarked on Russian state television that the prospect of a trilateral meeting was not raised in the US-Russia discussions, signaling potential hurdles ahead.
During Trump’s welcoming of Putin, the Russian leader visited the US for the first time in a decade. Afterward, Trump noted that a “deal is only a deal when it truly is,” even as Putin hinted at some mutual understanding concerning Ukraine.
Reporter Charles Stratford provided insight from Kyiv, where Trump faced substantial scrutiny from US media for what was perceived as a conciliatory approach towards Putin, especially without reaching any ceasefire agreement.
As Zelenskyy and Trump prepare for their Washington meeting, the focus remains on establishing a trilateral arrangement with Putin. Trump mentioned that if successful, they would proceed to coordinate with the Russian leader.
In an interview post-discussions, Trump asserted that the responsibility may now lie with Zelenskyy to expedite peace, although he acknowledged likely involvement from European nations as well.
Europe’s Firm Position
On Saturday, several European leaders collectively reaffirmed their commitment to support Ukraine and to maintain pressure on Russia until the conflict is resolved. In a joint statement, including remarks from the French president and German chancellor, they underscored that "Ukraine must have solid security guarantees to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity" and affirmed that Russia must not hold a veto over Ukraine’s EU and NATO aspirations.
Moreover, European leaders emphasized that any changes to international borders should not occur through force. Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra reported that achieving a ceasefire remains the priority for these European nations, with the subsequent goal of providing security guarantees, potentially by deploying their own forces to ensure compliance with any agreements reached.