Did Trump and Putin Discuss a Trilateral Meeting with Zelensky?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trump and Putin reaffirm commitment to direct talks.
- A trilateral meeting with Zelensky is being arranged.
- Both leaders emphasize the importance of ongoing dialogue.
- U.S. officials are actively involved in coordinating efforts.
- Potential for peace discussions to reshape the conflict landscape.
Moscow, Aug 19 (NationPress) In a significant telephonic dialogue, Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump engaged on Tuesday, reaffirming their dedication to ongoing direct negotiations between the delegations from Moscow and Kyiv.
Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian President, confirmed that the conversation was initiated by the U.S. President.
During the call, Trump informed Putin about his discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as well as with several European leaders in Washington.
Putin expressed appreciation for Trump’s hospitality during the Alaska Summit and the strides they have made towards achieving a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The aide mentioned that both leaders discussed the potential for involving higher-ranking officials from both Ukraine and Russia in these direct negotiations.
“It is quite revealing that Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump agreed to maintain communication regarding the situation in Ukraine and other pressing international and bilateral issues. The Russian President underscored the significance of Trump’s personal commitment to seeking solutions for a long-term settlement in Ukraine. The dialogue was open and constructive,” Ushakov stated.
Following meetings with Zelensky and European leaders, Trump announced on Monday that he is facilitating a meeting between Zelensky and Putin to advance efforts to end the tragic conflict that has claimed countless lives.
Trump conveyed that he had contacted the Russian President to arrange a trilateral meeting involving Zelensky, Putin, and himself to discuss peace negotiations.
“I reached out to President Putin to begin planning a meeting, the location is yet to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky,” Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social.
“After that meeting, we will convene a trilateral meeting which will include the two Presidents and myself. This is a promising initial step in a conflict that has persisted for nearly four years,” he added.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are actively coordinating with Russia and Ukraine to facilitate these meetings, Trump further noted.