Agreement Reached for Putin-Trump Summit
A Kremlin official announced on Thursday that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump has been agreed upon and could potentially take place next week at a venue that has been tentatively decided.
According to Putin’s foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov, the American side suggested the bilateral meeting, and while next week is the target timeframe for the summit, no confirmed date has been set yet. The venue will be disclosed at a later time.
Ushakov emphasized the importance of focusing on preparing a successful and productive meeting between Putin and Trump, hinting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may not join the summit to discuss ending Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
If the summit takes place, it would be the first meeting between Putin and Trump since the latter returned to office this year. However, there are no guarantees that the meeting would lead to an immediate resolution of the conflict, as Russia and Ukraine have differing demands.
Putin has historically been reluctant to make concessions and is known to only accept settlement terms that align with his agenda. The status of Trump’s deadline for Russia to halt the violence in Ukraine remains unclear.
Ukrainians Seek Peace Amidst Conflict
A recent Gallup poll revealed a shift in Ukrainian sentiment towards seeking a negotiated settlement to end the conflict with Russia. While initially, a majority supported continuing the fight, the current data indicates a growing desire for peace.
The poll, conducted in early July, highlighted that about 70% of Ukrainians believe their country should pursue a settlement as soon as possible. President Zelensky’s willingness to engage with Putin has not led to significant progress, as both sides maintain their respective positions.
Despite the longing for peace, the majority of Ukrainians are skeptical about the possibility of a lasting resolution within the next year. The ongoing violence and territorial disputes continue to hinder progress towards a comprehensive peace agreement.
