Kremlin Signals Possible Meeting Between Putin and Trump

Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov indicated that a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump could potentially occur before the end of the month. However, Peskov emphasized that adequate preparation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be necessary to facilitate such a summit, leaving open the possibility of a postponement to a later date.

This announcement follows the first direct negotiations between Russian and U.S. delegations in three years, which took place on February 18 in Riyadh. The discussions, lasting four and a half hours, concluded with an agreement to appoint ambassadors in the near future and to form negotiating teams for ongoing dialogues regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

Notably absent from these talks was the Ukrainian delegation, a situation that has raised concerns in Kyiv and among European leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron responded by calling for an emergency summit of European leaders to establish a unified stance on the U.S.-Russia discussions and to address continental security.

During the Riyadh meeting, participants explored various aspects of resolving the Ukraine conflict, including a proposed three-stage peace plan that would encompass a ceasefire, elections in Ukraine, and the signing of a final agreement. However, the White House has yet to issue an official statement regarding the outcomes of these discussions.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov acknowledged the challenges ahead in normalizing U.S.-Russia relations and underscored that the appointment of negotiators would depend on decisions made by the Trump administration. Lavrov expressed hope for constructive engagement with the new team in Washington.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced his apprehension over Ukraine’s exclusion from the negotiation process, asserting that any decisions impacting his country must involve its participation. He reiterated the critical importance of support from the United States and Europe for Ukraine’s survival amid the ongoing conflict.