Potential Meeting Between Putin and Trump by February's End: Kremlin
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Synopsis
Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump may hold a significant meeting by the end of February, as stated by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. This comes after recent talks between officials in Saudi Arabia aimed at addressing ongoing international conflicts, including the situation in Ukraine.
Key Takeaways
- Putin and Trump could meet this month.
- Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov hints at preparations needed.
- Recent discussions held in Riyadh involve key officials.
- Trump comments on Ukraine negotiations.
- Agreement reached on principles for resolving the Ukraine conflict.
Moscow, Feb 19 (NationPress) Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump might hold a meeting as soon as this month, according to Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday.
When questioned about the possibility of a meeting before the end of February, Peskov remarked, "The Western media write extensively, and our media do as well ... Perhaps, or perhaps not."
He noted that the meeting would necessitate some groundwork from the Russian foreign ministry.
On Tuesday, officials from both countries engaged in discussions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
During these talks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
Senior officials from the Russian side included Yuri Ushakov, the Kremlin's foreign affairs advisor.
Ushakov stated post-meeting that the exact date for the encounter between the Russian and US leaders is yet to be determined.
On Tuesday, Trump indicated that he will "probably" meet Putin this month.
Addressing concerns from Ukraine about being excluded from the US-Russian discussions in Saudi Arabia regarding the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Trump mentioned during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida that Ukraine had the opportunity to negotiate with Russia three years ago.
"Today I heard, 'oh, we weren't invited.' Well you've been there for three years; you should have concluded it ... you should have never initiated it. You could have reached an agreement," Trump said.
Trump also expressed he would not be against the deployment of European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine.
"Having troops stationed there would be acceptable; I wouldn't object at all," he commented. However, he indicated that the United States would not engage, "because we're very far away."
Earlier on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States and Russia had come to an agreement on four principles after extensive discussions in Saudi Arabia, which included the formation of a high-level team to assist in negotiating and resolving the conflict in Ukraine in a way that is sustainable and agreeable to all involved parties.
This meeting in Saudi Arabia signifies a potential warming of previously strained ties between Washington and Moscow since Trump assumed office in January, as reported by Xinhua.
