No Planned Meeting Between Putin and Trump During Saudi Arabia Visit

The Kremlin has stated that President Putin will not meet President Trump during his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, dismissing speculation about a meeting. Communications between the two leaders have occurred via phone, but frustrations persist over Russia’s position on the Ukraine ceasefire. This situation reflects ongoing complexities in U.S.-Russia relations.

On Wednesday, the Kremlin announced that President Vladimir Putin will not be traveling to Saudi Arabia, where U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to visit soon. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed any speculation regarding a potential meeting between the two leaders. He emphasized that Trump’s plans are solely related to U.S. presidential activities and do not include Putin.

Since February, Trump and Putin have engaged in at least two phone conversations but have not met face-to-face. Although top officials from both nations have held discussions in Saudi Arabia, Peskov reiterated that Putin does not currently have any meeting scheduled, underscoring the absence of a specific date or venue for any possible encounter.

President Trump has expressed a desire for improved relations with Russia since taking office and has conveyed hopes for an in-person meeting with Putin in the near future. However, he has recently shown signs of frustration regarding Russia’s hesitance to accept a proposed ceasefire in Ukraine, which adds complexity to the situation.

Last month, separate U.S. talks with Ukraine and Russia in Saudi Arabia resulted in agreements to refrain from attacking energy infrastructure. Nonetheless, both nations have since accused each other of violating the terms of the agreement by executing deliberate strikes on such facilities.

In summary, the Kremlin has confirmed that no meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump is being planned during the latter’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia. Communication has occurred between the two leaders via phone, but a face-to-face meeting remains elusive. The complexities surrounding U.S.-Russia relations, particularly concerning the situation in Ukraine, continue to generate tension amid these diplomatic efforts.

Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com