Trump and Putin may meet, Russia conflict

(CLO) The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin is ready to meet US President-elect Donald Trump, following comments from Trump a day earlier that preparations for the meeting were underway.

"The president has repeatedly stated his readiness to meet with international leaders, including the US president, including Donald Trump," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on January 10.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: GI/Sputnik

The day before, the US President-elect said at a meeting at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida that President Putin wanted to meet him and arrangements were being made. "We have to end that war, it's a mess," he said.

Both sides have expressed their willingness to talk, but specific details have not been announced. Mr. Peskov confirmed that Russia welcomes Mr. Trump's willingness to talk. "There are no preconditions. What is needed is political will and a common desire to resolve issues through dialogue," Mr. Peskov stressed.

The meeting is expected to take place after Mr. Trump officially takes office on January 20. Mr. Trump previously claimed that he could end the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 24 hours but recently said that it could take months to complete.

Details of the plan have not been released, but it has raised concerns in Ukraine that any quick peace deal could tilt the balance in Russia’s favor. Ukraine’s foreign ministry has responded cautiously, saying any solution must ensure justice for Ukraine.

Russia has maintained its position that Ukraine must abandon its ambitions to join NATO and withdraw completely from four regions that are partly controlled by Russia. Kiev firmly opposes this, calling this an unacceptable surrender.

In this context, achieving a just peace settlement will depend on the bargaining power of both sides. Ukraine has received significant support from the United States and its allies, with tens of billions of dollars in aid since the war began.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Mr Trump to support a “peace through strength” approach, including NATO and Western security guarantees.

While Trump and his advisers appear optimistic about the prospects for negotiations, they are also aware of the significant challenges ahead. Proposals from Trump’s team that could yield some areas to Russia have been met with resistance from Ukraine.

The meeting between Trump and Putin, if it takes place, could be a breakthrough in reshaping the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, to reach a lasting solution, both sides will need to overcome current political and diplomatic barriers. With Kiev and its Western allies closely watching, the outcome of this meeting will determine the future of peace in Eastern Europe.

Hoai Phuong (according to TASS, MT, AFP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hai-ong-trump-va-putin-co-the-som-gap-nhau-xung-dot-nga--ukraine-sap-ket-thuc-post329881.html