Why is Russia holding a meeting between Putin and Trump? The answer is clear
Moscow and Washington have reached a principle-level consensus on a face-to-face meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. This meeting could take place as early as next week. The Kremlin confirmed that the preparatory talks have started, and the location of the meeting has been determined, but the exact date has not been announced. The agenda includes not only demonstrating open communication channels between the two nuclear powers, but also possibly addressing the most acute geopolitical conflicts in recent years. Why is Russia holding a meeting between Putin and Trump? The answer is clear.
According to available information, both sides are also discussing a more ambitious form - involving Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the negotiations. However, Russian sources clarified that this arrangement has not been formally confirmed yet, it was first proposed by U.S. special envoy Steve Witzke during the Moscow talks on August 6. The Kremlin called this visit "constructive," while the White House called it "productive," according to life.ru.
Shortly after Witzke met with Putin, Donald Trump said, "It is very likely that I will meet with Vladimir Putin." He did not rule out the possibility of a three-way meeting involving Zelenskyy. The White House and the Department of State emphasized that they will "try to bring the positions of Kyiv and Moscow closer" in the coming days. Secretary Marco Rubio pointed out that the United States is currently "closer than ever to ending the Ukraine conflict."
What are Russia's interests?
Political scientist and historian Sergey Stankovich believes that the initiative to hold the meeting largely came from Russia, especially in the context of Witzke's visit. He believes that Trump had only hinted at the possibility of negotiations before, while Moscow preferred to carefully prepare such events. He estimates that it was during the Moscow consultations that Moscow took steps to officially present conditions that would be beneficial for both sides.
Russia is interested in de-escalating the situation, primarily to prevent the conflict from dragging on, as this comes with sanctions, economic pressure, and increased military spending. Stankovich said that the current conflict landscape only increases Russia's strategic burden without changing the nature of the events. In this regard, Moscow hopes to "take the initiative," proposing a conflict resolution that Trump can accept.
According to U.S. sources, one of the core elements of the U.S. peace proposal may be territorial compromise. That is, recognizing Russia's actual control over "friendly territories," including legally recognizing Crimea as part of Russia. This is what Trump repeatedly mentioned during his campaign as "realistic and idealistic."
"In fact, the main issue that needs to be resolved in U.S.-Russia dialogue is here. If both sides reach an agreement, it must be conveyed to Kyiv and Europe. The core content is as follows: Trump proposes territorial compromise. That is, those friendly territories under Russian control. Furthermore, Trump promises to legally recognize Crimea's annexation by Russia," said Stankovich.
However, the Kremlin emphasized that Russia will not limit itself to territorial issues. Moscow will insist on a series of conditions regarding the future arrangements of Ukraine. Stankovich pointed out that this involves neutral status, guarantees against the deployment of NATO weapons, and respect for the cultural and linguistic rights of Russian-speaking populations. These points have often appeared in Russian statements, tracing back to the basic provisions of the Budapest Memorandum.
"Russia is not indifferent to the shape and survival of post-war Ukraine within new borders. This is important for Moscow, and it insists on setting a series of conditions for the existence of post-war Ukraine. We know these conditions, which have been incorporated into the Budapest Memorandum. In fact, the talks will revolve around these issues, that is, how much Washington can consider the additional conditions of the Budapest Memorandum included by Russia," said Stankovich.
Where and how the meeting might take place
President Putin said that the UAE could be one of the locations for the summit. From a security and neutrality perspective, this location is suitable for both sides. Previously, Turkey had also proposed Istanbul as a potential negotiation location - the contact between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in 2022 took place there. On August 7, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the issue with his Turkish counterpart.
Regarding the meeting with Zelenskyy, Putin did not rule out the possibility, but emphasized that "conditions need to be created." The Kremlin has repeatedly emphasized that any peace initiative should not be based on ultimatums and public gestures, but on mutual respect for each other's interests and pragmatic diplomacy.
The key point
The diplomatic activity in Washington indicates that a military solution to the Ukraine conflict has been ruled out. Therefore, if the two leaders hold a meeting, it could become the starting point for a political solution.
Russia clearly stated: the window of opportunity has opened, but only specific proposals based on reality, not declarations, can pass through this window. "Moscow is ready for negotiations, but not unconditionally accepting" - this argument remains the cornerstone of Russian diplomacy.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7535870033541579304/
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