【Text by Observers Net, Wang Yi】Several foreign media outlets recently reported that Russian President Putin will meet with U.S. President Trump for the first time since Trump's return to the White House, and this meeting will take place in Beijing, China in September. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied the reports on July 20, stating that "the Putin-Trump meeting will definitely happen, but the timing is not yet appropriate."

The UK's The Times reported earlier last week that Putin and Trump might meet in Beijing in September, when China will hold the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Putin has confirmed his attendance at the event, but the Kremlin responded that "we are not aware of the possibility of Putin meeting Trump during this period."

In an interview published by TASS on July 20, Peskov told reporters that a meeting between Putin and Trump "is possible and will certainly happen in the future. It is necessary."

Peskov said that the meeting might need "to wait until a lot of work is completed," and that a meeting "to sign some major agreements is necessary." However, he emphasized: "This time has not come yet, and this work still needs to be advanced."

Peskov, TASS

Although there is currently no official evidence indicating such an arrangement, Trump has faced pressure from American public opinion. On the 18th, The Hill published an article urging him not to meet with Putin in China, and the article also flattered Trump, calling him "one of the most influential presidents of our time and global leaders," and saying that "for the honor of the United States," "he should firmly and respectfully decline this invitation."

At the regular press conference on June 30, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded to the reports, stating that during the previous State Council Information Office press conference, relevant departments introduced the situation and arrangements for inviting foreign leaders to the 80th anniversary commemoration of the victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. As for whether Trump was invited to attend the military parade, "I currently have no information to provide."

Since Trump returned to the presidency, the outside world has been closely watching how he would fulfill his campaign promise to "end the Russia-Ukraine conflict within 24 hours." In mid-February, shortly after returning to the White House, Trump told the media that after talking with Putin, they "may soon meet in Saudi Arabia, which will be the first meeting," although the specific date "has not been determined."

At that time, Trump was actively involved in mediating the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and was very eager to meet with Putin. However, as time passed, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has not seen a clear path to peace, and Trump's attitude toward Russia has become increasingly tough.

Trump, who was attacking Ukrainian President Zelensky in the White House in February, had publicly expressed disappointment with Putin in March, but added that "I think he won't break his word." By April, Trump had strengthened his tone, and in May, he even turned around and called Putin "crazy."

Entering July, Trump's attitude toward Ukraine became more obvious; he further increased his criticism of Russia and promised to provide more weapons to Ukraine, including the "Patriot" missiles paid for by the European Union.

In response to Trump's above statements, Peskov said on the 20th that "everyone has already gotten used to his rather strong and straightforward wording. At the same time, he also confirmed his intention to continue doing everything possible to promote the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict."

"In fact, President Putin has repeatedly stated that he hopes to quickly put the situation in Ukraine on a peaceful track. This is a long process that requires effort and is not easy. Obviously, people in Washington are increasingly recognizing this," Peskov added.

It is reported that the Kremlin has confirmed that the third round of Russia-Ukraine negotiations may continue to be held in Istanbul, Turkey, as in the previous two rounds, but the date has not been determined yet.

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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7529449319847428647/

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