Is Trump Facilitating a Meeting Between Putin and Zelensky?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trump is arranging a meeting between Putin and Zelensky.
- A trilateral summit with the US will follow.
- Focus on security guarantees for Ukraine.
- Potential for lasting peace rather than temporary solutions.
- Involvement of European leaders in the discussions.
Washington, Aug 19 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has stated that he is in the process of organizing a meeting between President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. This initial gathering will be succeeded by a trilateral summit involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine.
On Monday evening, Trump shared via social media that he had conversations with Putin regarding this matter during discussions with European leaders at the White House.
"Following the meetings, I reached out to President Putin and initiated the plans for a meeting, at a venue yet to be decided, between President Putin and President Zelensky," he mentioned.
"Once that meeting occurs, we will host a Trilat (trilateral meeting), which will include the two Presidents and myself. This marks a positive first step in a conflict that has persisted for nearly four years," he added.
Trump did not provide specific dates for either meeting.
His discussions on Monday primarily revolved around security assurances for Ukraine, which would be facilitated by various European nations, in coordination with the United States.
"There is a strong sense of optimism regarding the potential for PEACE between Russia and Ukraine," Trump noted.
"In the next week or two, we should have clarity on whether a resolution is achievable, or if the ongoing conflict will persist," he remarked during discussions with Zelensky and European leaders.
According to a source, Trump and Putin spoke after he briefly paused his meeting with Zelensky and other European officials on Monday.
The source indicated that European representatives were not part of that particular conversation.
A European official informed CNN that Trump halted negotiations with the European leaders and Zelensky to contact Putin.
This development was first reported by the German newspaper Bild, which mentioned that discussions with European leaders would resume following Trump’s call with Putin at the White House.
Trump assured that the US would remain engaged in ensuring Kyiv's "future security" as Russia continues its aggressive stance toward the war-torn nation.
"It’s a privilege to host the President of Ukraine. We've had numerous productive discussions. I believe we are making significant strides. A recent meeting with President Putin suggests there might be potential outcomes. Today's meeting is crucial as we engage with seven influential European leaders right after this discussion," Trump stated.
Trump emphasized the need for a lasting peace rather than a temporary solution that could lead to further chaos.
"We will collaborate with Ukraine and all stakeholders to ensure that if peace is achieved, it will endure long-term. We are not seeking a two-year truce that will result in chaos again. Our aim is to create a stable resolution. We have engaged with Russia and will continue to collaborate with Ukraine," he affirmed.
European leaders, including UK PM Keir Starmer, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, were also in attendance at the White House.
This urgent meeting follows last week's inconclusive summit in Alaska between Russian President Vladmir Putin and Trump.