U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have engaged in talks to end conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump said that Putin agreed to begin negotiations on ending the war following an all-for-all prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump expressed his enthusiasm that the war could end “within weeks,” stating that Putin is willing to work towards peace, even accepting European peacekeepers in Ukraine.
Both look to meet each other face-to-face, possibly in Saudi Arabia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed optimism on ending the war through diplomatic means.
UNG political science professor Nathan Price spoke about Ukraine’s involvement in these meetings, stating Ukraine appears to be “sidelined,” with the U.S. and Russia being at the forefront of these talks.
Zelensky and Ukraine are determined to be directly involved in negotiations, believing it is essential for peace agreements to be successful.
Ukraine is seeking to obtain security measures, emphasizing its intent to prevent Russia from future aggression.
“It’s crucial for us that peace comes,” Zelensky said. “We desire peace more than anyone else. And it’s obvious, as we are the ones suffering the most, particularly in terms of lives lost.”
Such security measures include joining the European Union (EU) and NATO, but Trump indicated it would be difficult for Ukraine to gain NATO membership with Russia’s long-standing reluctance and opposition to that move.
“Russia is adamant that any final deal should not include an opportunity for Ukraine to join NATO. That seems to be something that Trump is willing to agree to.” – Nathan Price, UNG political science professor
Zelensky recently offered to step down from the presidency in exchange for peace or a NATO membership.
A part of the deal with the U.S. includes Ukraine’s minerals. Trump pushed for a deal where Ukraine would grant access to its rare earth minerals such as titanium, iron and uranium in exchange for U.S. financial support.
The deal is valued at billions of dollars and is viewed as a way for the U.S. to gain profit from their previous aid costs.
Another part of the negotiations will include the dispute over territories.
Russia currently controls around a fifth of Ukraine’s territory, mostly in the south and east.
Ukraine insists on re-obtaining Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk.
Russia has formally annexed four regions in the south and east, wanting them to be recognized as Russia, despite not having current control of all the regions.
