**Trump-Putin Meeting Tentatively Scheduled for End of Next Week**
The world is waiting with bated breath as the details of a highly-anticipated meeting between former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin emerge. According to reports, preparations are underway for a summit that could take place at the end of next week.
The exact timing and location of the meeting remain unclear. NBC News reports that the Kremlin claims the venue has been agreed upon, but this is disputed by a White House official, who says the location is still to be determined. Possible venues include locations in the United Arab Emirates, Hungary, Switzerland, and Rome.
Sky News cites sources in the Italian government as saying Trump held a call with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, discussing the possibility of holding the meeting in Rome. This news comes despite Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s previous dismissal of the prospects of future peace talks in the Vatican.
The prospect of this meeting has been met with skepticism, particularly in Ukraine, where tensions remain high due to Russia’s ongoing invasion. Earlier reports suggested that Trump would only agree to meet with Putin if he also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, Trump later told reporters at the White House that such a meeting was not a prerequisite for his own meeting with Putin.
In a surprise move, Zelensky signalled Ukraine’s willingness to be involved in the meeting on August 7. This comes just days after a meeting between Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff on August 6, which was reportedly held ahead of Trump’s deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
**The Road to Peace Remains Uncertain**
As the world waits with bated breath for the outcome of this meeting, one thing is clear: the road to peace remains uncertain. The New York Times reports that Trump is preparing not only for a one-on-one with Putin but also for a potential trilateral meeting with Zelensky shortly afterward.
Bloomberg reported on August 8, citing undisclosed sources, that the US and Russia are seeking to reach a territorial agreement to cement Moscow’s occupation of Ukrainian territories and end the war. However, this comes at a steep price: Putin is demanding that Ukraine cede all of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, as well as Crimea.
Washington is reportedly trying to secure support from Ukraine and its European allies for the potential deal, which remains far from certain. Trump’s ultimatum to Moscow on July 28 demanded a ceasefire within 10 days or face severe US sanctions. As the August 8 deadline approached, Trump signaled impatience and said the decision now “depends on Putin.”
**What Does It All Mean?**
So what does it all mean? In short, the details of this meeting remain unclear, but one thing is certain: the world will be watching with bated breath as the fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance.
Dmytro Basmat, senior news editor for The Kyiv Independent, notes that “the road to peace remains uncertain” and that “Washington is reportedly trying to secure support from Ukraine and its European allies for the potential deal.” This underscores the complexity of the issue and the need for caution as we move forward.
As the world waits with bated breath for the outcome of this meeting, one thing is clear: only time will tell if the road to peace can be found.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
