Moscow Hesitates on Trump's Plan for Zelensky-Putin Summit

Potential Trilateral Meeting Between Russian and Ukrainian Leaders

President Trump has suggested that the leaders of Russia and Ukraine may finally meet to discuss peace after more than three years of conflict. This idea was shared during a meeting with European leaders at the White House, where Trump emphasized the importance of resolving the ongoing war. However, it remains unclear whether the Kremlin has agreed to this proposal. Russian President Vladimir Putin has only mentioned that he would consider "raising the level" of negotiations between representatives from both countries.

Trump proposed that Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet one-on-one at a location yet to be determined. He also mentioned that he would join the discussion in what he called a "Trilat." This approach came after a high-stakes meeting with Zelensky and European leaders, where Trump expressed optimism about the potential for peace.

The meeting had a historic tone, as six European heads of government, the NATO secretary general, and the president of the European Commission gathered in Washington for discussions with the president. Trump first met with Zelensky in the Oval Office, showing a more positive tone than their previous encounter in February. During this meeting, Trump expressed his love for the Ukrainian people and his commitment to providing security guarantees for Kyiv in any final peace agreement.

Zelensky responded with praise and gratitude, calling the meeting their "best" so far. However, an expanded meeting with other European leaders hinted at more complex challenges ahead for the peace effort. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged that while the path to peace is open, the next steps will be difficult. He emphasized the need for a ceasefire, which he believes is essential for meaningful negotiations.

French President Emmanuel Macron echoed Merz's sentiments, stressing the necessity of a ceasefire. While Trump had previously supported the idea of a ceasefire, he also noted that it was not happening immediately. He said that Zelensky and Putin could discuss the issue further.

European leaders reiterated their desire for peace but also called for a "just" peace, highlighting the importance of addressing all aspects of the conflict. Zelensky, however, did not publicly engage with Putin’s central demand: the surrender of large areas of Ukrainian territory to Russian control.

Security Guarantees and Military Involvement

Security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe were a key topic during the meetings. European leaders discussed the possibility of U.S. troops being involved in enforcing any future peace settlement. Trump did not rule out the involvement of American forces, stating that they would be part of the solution.

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, praised the idea of "Article 5-like" security guarantees for Ukraine, referencing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s provision that an attack on one member is an attack on all. However, the Russian Foreign Ministry warned that the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine would be seen as "provocative" and "reckless," potentially creating tensions in the negotiations.

Despite these concerns, Trump remained hopeful about scheduling a trilateral meeting with Putin and Zelensky. He planned to call Putin shortly after European leaders left the White House, expressing his belief that a personal relationship between the two leaders could lead to a peace deal.

Territorial Disputes and Public Opinion

The issue of territorial changes remained a sensitive topic. A reporter from Fox News asked Zelensky if he was willing to redraw the maps of Ukraine. Zelensky declined to comment directly, instead emphasizing the need to stop the war and receive support from American and European partners.

Trump and his team have largely aligned with Putin’s position that Russia should retain the territory it has occupied by force. However, European officials remained silent on the matter during the meeting. The Ukrainian Constitution prohibits the concession of territory without public approval, and polls show strong opposition among Ukrainians to giving up land in exchange for peace.

Steve Witkoff, the president's envoy for special missions, claimed that Putin agreed to pass legislation guaranteeing an end to wars of conquest in Ukraine and elsewhere in Europe. However, similar commitments have been made before, such as the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which failed to prevent Russia’s aggression.