**White House Considering Inviting Zelensky to Peace Talks in Alaska**
The White House is reportedly considering inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to peace talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, which are set to take place in Alaska. According to NBC News, a White House official and several people familiar with the matter confirmed that the proposal is “being discussed.” The meeting aims to discuss a ceasefire plan proposed by Putin, which involves halting hostilities in exchange for Kyiv ceding its eastern territories to Russia.
However, Zelensky has firmly rejected any idea of ceding Ukrainian territory to end Russia’s war. In a statement, he warned that an unfavorable peace deal would eventually lead to Russia regrouping and reinvading Ukraine. This stance is shared by European leaders, who have publicly voiced concerns over a lack of European and Ukrainian involvement in peace talks.
The situation remains fluid, with different accounts emerging from White House officials. One official told NBC News that everyone is “very hopeful” that Zelensky will participate in the meeting, while another senior official stated that the President remains open to a trilateral summit with both leaders. Yet another source told CBS News that the situation may potentially involve Zelensky.
Initially, Trump suggested that Zelensky’s participation was a precondition for peace, but later changed course to hold an initial meeting with Putin followed by a proposed trilateral summit involving President Volodymyr Zelensky. While the Ukrainian president signaled he is ready for such a format, Putin claimed he does not oppose the meeting in principle, but added that certain “conditions” must first be met.
**European Leaders Reject Russia’s Proposal**
EU leaders have rejected Russia’s proposal and instead offered a counterproposal to U.S. officials ahead of a planned meeting. European officials told the Wall Street Journal that peace talks would not hold much weight without the participation of European leaders.
As leader-level face talks are set to begin, it remains unclear whether Zelensky will participate in a trilateral meeting or separate meetings the day of the summit if he is invited. The uncertainty surrounding Zelensky’s involvement has led some to question the legitimacy and effectiveness of the proposed peace talks.
**A Closer Look at the Situation**
The situation on the ground in Ukraine remains tense, with ongoing fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists. Any attempts to broker a ceasefire will require careful consideration of the complex dynamics involved.
In an interview with The Kyiv Independent, Dmytro Basmat, senior news editor for The Kyiv Independent, noted that “any peace talks without meaningful Ukrainian involvement would be unlikely to hold much weight.” He emphasized the need for inclusive and robust negotiations that take into account the perspectives of all parties involved.
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, it is crucial to carefully consider the implications of any proposed peace talks. Will Zelensky’s participation in the meeting ultimately bring about a lasting ceasefire? Or will the complexities of the conflict prove too great for any single solution?
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
