US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to meet soon, with the Kremlin confirming talks could happen in the coming days. Reports suggest the meeting might take place in the United Arab Emirates, though the venue is unconfirmed.
This development comes amid Trump’s tougher stance on Russia over the Ukraine war, including threats of sanctions if Putin refuses to end the conflict. Despite hopes, experts caution that the Trump-Putin summit may not bring end to the war. Here is what we know about the upcoming meeting and why it may fall short of peace.
What We Know About the Meeting
A Kremlin aide revealed the summit could happen as early as next week. While the exact location is not yet public, Russian officials say the venue has been chosen. Putin mentioned the UAE as a suitable host during a meeting with its president but stopped short of confirming it. Trump also expressed willingness to meet Putin even if the Russian leader refuses talk with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
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Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently met Putin in Moscow, where the Kremlin described the talks as constructive. The possibility of a three-way meeting with Zelenskyy was floated but met with silence from Moscow. Zelenskyy insists that Europe must participate in any peace discussions and remains open to bilateral and trilateral talks.
Why the Talks May Not End the War
Putin shows no sign of ending the war soon. Russia has intensified drone attacks against Ukraine, aiming to break morale. Previous negotiations from May to July yielded no progress. Russia’s demands include Ukraine recognizing Russian control over Crimea and several eastern regions, demilitarizing, and holding new elections — essentially demanding Ukraine’s surrender.
Analysts say Russia may be buying time to manage relations with trading partners like India and China. Trump has already imposed heavy sanctions on India for its ties to Russia and hinted at tariffs on China during ongoing trade talks.
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Experts like Sam Greene of the Center for European Policy Analysis argue the talks offer a way for both leaders to save face. Putin avoids appearing weak, and Trump can claim his pressure works, though no real peace is achieved. Ukrainian analyst Mykola Bielieskov warns that offering a summit without concessions rewards Russia.
Public Sentiment and the Road Ahead
Many Ukrainians remain skeptical about the summit’s outcome, and some see it as political gamesmanship rather than a path to peace. However, a recent Gallup poll shows that 70% of Ukrainians now support a peace deal, a shift from last year’s desire to fight until full liberation.
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The war has already claimed tens of thousands of military lives and over 12,000 civilian casualties. As the world watches, the Trump-Putin meeting may signal hope but is unlikely to end the conflict quickly.
