**Ukraine War: Trump-Putin Meeting Planned, But Peace Prospects Remain Bleak**
The ongoing war in Ukraine, sparked by Russia’s invasion in February 2022, has resulted in tens of thousands of civilian casualties. The conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides trading blows and neither willing to give in.
Against this backdrop, the Kremlin announced a planned meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. The US leader said he hoped to “get it over with,” indicating his desire to see an end to the war. However, experts warn that even if Trump mediates talks, the gulf between Kyiv and Moscow may be too great to bridge.
**Russia’s Maximalist Demands**
In June, Russia presented Ukraine with a memorandum outlining its demands for a “final settlement” of the conflict. These include:
* Recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson
* Demilitarisation, neutrality, and no foreign military involvement in Ukraine
* New elections in Ukraine
Russian political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya notes that while Moscow may present these demands as negotiable, the core position remains unchanged: Russia wants Kyiv to surrender.
**Trump’s Ties with Putin**
The planned meeting has raised concerns among some in Ukraine that Trump may be swayed by Putin’s demands. Trump’s past statements have shown a reluctance to fully condemn Putin for his actions. In 2018, Trump sided with the Kremlin over accusations of Russian meddling in the 2016 US election.
Ukrainian MP Iryna Herashchenko warned that if Trump gives in to Putin’s demands, it would be “very dangerous” for Kyiv.
**Uncertainty Surrounds Ceasefire Talks**
The prospects of a ceasefire remain uncertain. Russia has shown no willingness to budge on its tough preconditions, and the Kremlin’s demands have been deemed unworkable by Ukraine.
While some in Ukraine are concerned that Trump may be swayed by Putin, others see value in being involved in any ceasefire talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine is not afraid of meetings, but expects a “bold approach” from the Russian side.
**The Way Forward**
The planned meeting between Trump and Putin has sparked debate about its potential impact on the conflict. While some see it as an opportunity for peace, others fear that it may legitimize Russia’s demands and give in to Moscow’s maximalist stance.
One possibility is that Russia hopes to use these talks to fend off secondary sanctions threatened by the US. Alternatively, the Kremlin may try to convince Trump of the merits of its conditions.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: the prospects for peace in Ukraine remain bleak, and the war will continue until one side concedes or a miracle occurs.
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