Preparations are being initiated for a potential in-person meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as stated by Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. This development signals a significant shift from previous Western isolation strategies aimed at Moscow due to its actions in Ukraine. Ryabkov suggested that discussions at the summit might extend beyond the conflict in Ukraine to encompass broader global issues.
He emphasized the importance of moving towards normalising relations and addressing urgent, risky situations, with Ukraine being a key topic. Although efforts to set up the meeting are in preliminary stages, discussions between US and Russian envoys are slated to occur within a fortnight to facilitate further negotiations among senior officials. Recent meetings in Saudi Arabia resulted in an agreement to pursue enhanced diplomatic and economic ties while seeking solutions for the Ukrainian conflict.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed dissatisfaction over his country’s exclusion from these discussions, stating that any outcomes would be unacceptable. Protests advocating for greater support for Ukraine were also witnessed in London, calling for Russian troop withdrawal and increased military assistance. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated that any future decisions regarding Ukraine should include its involvement, reinforcing the united stance of European allies amidst concerns over US policies.