Kremlin Downplays Summit Talks Amidst Trump's Calls for US-Russia-Ukraine Meeting
The Kremlin has downplayed the possibility of an imminent summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, as US President Donald Trump continues to push for direct talks to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The recent calls for a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelensky come after Trump's meeting with Putin in Alaska last week and his subsequent reception of seven European leaders and Zelensky at the White House on Monday.
Trump acknowledged the complexity of the conflict, suggesting it was possible that Putin may not be interested in ending hostilities.
He proposed a meeting between Putin and Zelensky without his presence but stated he would attend if necessary.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov clarified any potential direct talks as requiring gradual preparation, starting with expert-level discussions.
Dmitry Polyanskiy, a Russian deputy representative to the UN, emphasized that there has been no rejection of the opportunity for direct talks but cautioned against holding a meeting for its own sake.
The push for a summit comes amidst ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, who have been engaged in conflict since 2014.
European leaders appear skeptical about Putin's willingness to work towards peace, with French President Emmanuel Macron describing him as a 'predator' and an 'ogre at our doorstep.'
As the international community continues to navigate this complex situation, more high-level talks are scheduled for the coming days, including discussions on potential security guarantees for Ukraine.
The France and UK-led coalition of the willing is working towards firming up plans for a reassurance force that could be deployed in Ukraine if hostilities end.
Trump acknowledged the complexity of the conflict, suggesting it was possible that Putin may not be interested in ending hostilities.
He proposed a meeting between Putin and Zelensky without his presence but stated he would attend if necessary.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov clarified any potential direct talks as requiring gradual preparation, starting with expert-level discussions.
Dmitry Polyanskiy, a Russian deputy representative to the UN, emphasized that there has been no rejection of the opportunity for direct talks but cautioned against holding a meeting for its own sake.
The push for a summit comes amidst ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, who have been engaged in conflict since 2014.
European leaders appear skeptical about Putin's willingness to work towards peace, with French President Emmanuel Macron describing him as a 'predator' and an 'ogre at our doorstep.'
As the international community continues to navigate this complex situation, more high-level talks are scheduled for the coming days, including discussions on potential security guarantees for Ukraine.
The France and UK-led coalition of the willing is working towards firming up plans for a reassurance force that could be deployed in Ukraine if hostilities end.
