US President Donald Trump is set to hold virtual talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, just two days before his scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. According to the White House, the meeting with Putin will be a “one-on-one” talk, which the administration describes as a “listening exercise” for Trump.
The virtual call between Trump and Zelensky comes amid heightened tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with Zelensky expressing concerns about the upcoming summit between Trump and Putin. Zelensky described the Alaska summit as a “personal victory” for Putin, highlighting the significance of the meeting for the Russian leader. In contrast, the White House has downplayed expectations for the talks, emphasizing that Trump’s goal is to listen and gauge Putin’s willingness to compromise.
The White House has also hinted that Trump could travel to Russia for further talks, underscoring the administration’s commitment to finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict. This development comes as US National Guard troops are arriving in Washington DC, following Trump’s order for a crackdown on crime in the city.
In a recent phone call, Putin extended an invitation to Trump to visit Moscow, which lasted nearly an hour and a half. The invitation suggests that Russia is open to further diplomatic engagement with the US. However, the details of the potential visit remain unclear, and it is uncertain whether Trump will accept the invitation.
As the international community watches the developments, there is a sense of anticipation and caution. The meeting between Trump and Putin will likely be closely scrutinized for any signs of progress or potential roadblocks in the diplomatic efforts. With Zelensky set to participate in virtual talks with Trump, EU leaders, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and NATO chief Mark Rutte, the stage is set for a complex and potentially pivotal moment in international diplomacy.