On Thursday, US President-elect Donald Trump declared that plans are underway to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump said, “He wants to meet, and we’re setting it up,” before a meeting with Republican governors at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
This possible meeting takes place as the third year of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which started with Russia’s invasion in February 2022, draws near. Trump called this conflict “a bloody mess” and stated that he wants to negotiate an end to hostilities, underscoring the importance of finding a solution. Although Trump did not specify a timetable for the meeting, he expressed hope that he would be able to facilitate peace-oriented talks soon after taking office on January 20.
Although the Kremlin has recognized Putin’s willingness to engage in dialogue, it has pointed out that official requests for such talks would have to wait until Trump assumes office. “Putin would welcome Trump’s desire for engagement,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Ukraine is worried about the ramifications of a quick peace agreement, though, especially if it calls for large concessions that might result in the loss of territory to Russia.
