Trump Initiates Ukraine Peace Talks with Putin Amid Saudi Meeting Plans

President Trump is set to meet Russian President Putin in Saudi Arabia to discuss the Ukraine war as peace talks officially begin. Suggested compromises may involve Ukraine conceding Crimea. Trump’s Cabinet discussed strategies, emphasizing NATO membership as unlikely and commenting on security guarantees that do not involve U.S. troops. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy expresses that American involvement is crucial for real security guarantees.

President Donald Trump has announced plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon in Saudi Arabia to discuss a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While the specific date for the meeting has yet to be determined, Trump indicated that Ukraine would not be part of these discussions. He confirmed earlier this week that talks aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war have officially commenced, following his recent conversations with both leaders involved in the conflict, including his call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine.

These discussions represent a renewed focus on finding a resolution to the war, nearing its three-year mark since Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022. During his campaign for the 2024 election, Trump pledged to conclude the war promptly, stating a commitment to wrap it up within six months. His comments signal a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy efforts regarding the conflict.

During a visit to Europe, Trump’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested that Ukraine may need to concede Crimea and its NATO aspirations to facilitate peace negotiations. Trump seemed to agree, remarking, “I think probably that’s true. I don’t think it’s practical to have it.”

Following a call with Putin, the Kremlin extended an invitation for Trump to visit Russia, while Trump, in turn, mentioned the possibility of Putin visiting the U.S. He emphasized collaboration between both nations moving forward and that negotiations would begin immediately while contemplating a potential visit to Ukraine as well.

In a reform of his negotiating team, Trump named Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff as leads. Notably absent from this list was Keith Kellogg, the previous special envoy to Russia and Ukraine, though the White House stated he would still play a role in ongoing discussions.

Trump’s dialogue with Putin occurred concurrently with his Cabinet members’ visits to Europe. Vice President JD Vance and Rubio are scheduled to meet with Zelenskyy during the Munich Security Conference. Hegseth elaborated on Trump’s strategy during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels, cautioning that a return to Ukraine’s 2014 borders is unrealistic and could extend the conflict.

He clarified that NATO membership for Ukraine is unlikely and asserted that any security guarantees must involve contributions from European and non-European peacekeeping forces rather than U.S. troops. Zelenskyy expressed concerns about security guarantees, stating, “Security guarantees without America are not real security guarantees.”

In summary, President Trump has initiated peace talks with Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict, indicating plans for a forthcoming meeting with President Putin. The U.S. aims to facilitate negotiations while considering compromises from Ukraine, particularly concerning Crimea. Key personnel changes within the negotiating team signal a strategic shift in U.S. diplomacy, despite ongoing concerns about security guarantees from European allies.

Original Source: www.usatoday.com