Moscow Suspends Hope for Putin-Trump Meeting This Month
Moscow, February 19, 2023 – Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has cast doubt on the prospect of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump this month, despite earlier indications from Trump.
Initial Optimism Dampened
On Tuesday, Trump expressed his intention to meet with Putin, downplaying concerns raised by Ukraine over being excluded from U.S.-Russian talks in Saudi Arabia. However, Peskov has since tempered expectations.
"Possibly, And Possibly Not"
"Possibly," Peskov said when asked if a Putin-Trump meeting could take place this month, as quoted by the Russian news agency Interfax. "And possibly not."
Bilateral Focus, Ukraine Concerns
Peskov emphasized that the meeting in Riyadh primarily focused on bilateral ties between Russia and the U.S., while acknowledging that it represented a "very, very important step" towards a settlement in the Ukraine war. He cautioned, however, that the process would be lengthy and complex.
Precedence and Communication
The last face-to-face encounter between a Russian and a U.S. leader was the summit between Putin and Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, in Geneva in June 2021. Biden and Putin also had a phone call in February 2022, and messages have been exchanged through intermediaries.
Trump’s Unconventional Approach
Trump has pursued an unconventional approach to Russia and Ukraine, holding talks with Russia without the involvement of Ukraine or European powers. He has also engaged in direct communication with Putin and spoken about reducing the price of oil, a major Russian export.
Trump’s Ambiguous Stance
Trump has expressed his desire to end the war, suggesting that Putin is also interested in a deal. However, he has yet to provide a clear plan for achieving a ceasefire or resolving the underlying conflict.
Devastating War, Global Concerns
The war in Ukraine has devastated the country, causing widespread destruction and leaving hundreds of thousands injured or killed. The conflict has also raised fears of a direct confrontation between Russia and the United States, the world’s two leading nuclear powers.
Exclusive Talks, Ukrainian Resistance
The talks in Riyadh were the first official U.S.-Russia discussions aimed at ending the war, but they excluded Ukrainian and European officials. Kyiv has made it clear that it will not accept any agreement imposed without its consent.
Conflict’s Origins and Evolution
The conflict in eastern Ukraine erupted in 2014 following the ouster of a pro-Russian president during Ukraine’s Maidan Revolution. Russia subsequently annexed Crimea, and Russian-backed separatists engaged in fighting with Ukrainian forces.
In 2022, Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, claiming it was a "special military operation" to protect Russian-speakers and counter the perceived threat posed by Ukraine’s potential NATO membership. Ukraine and the West, however, view the war as an unprovoked act of aggression that threatens European security and could potentially escalate into a wider conflict.
