A Putin-Trump Meeting is being planned, with Switzerland and Serbia offering to host talks aimed at addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump hopes to quickly end the conflict, while concerns over Putin’s arrest warrant and U.S. support for Ukraine remain. The international community eagerly awaits developments.
Trump’s Push for Peace
Trump, set to assume office next Monday, announced that his team is planning a meeting with Putin. He hopes to fulfill his promise to end Russia’s war in Ukraine swiftly.
The Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed its readiness to host peace talks. However, the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Putin poses a potential challenge. The warrant accuses Putin of overseeing the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. Nicolas Bideau, a Swiss official, explained that Switzerland can grant exceptions for peace negotiations despite its legal obligation to arrest Putin.
Serbia Offers Neutral Ground
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić also volunteered his country as a venue. He emphasized Trump’s and Putin’s strong popularity in Serbia. Vučić claimed Serbia offers unmatched support for Trump compared to other countries outside the U.S.
“Trump has more supporters in Serbia than anywhere else,” Vučić stated. He added that Putin also remains highly popular in Serbia. Serbia’s neutrality in the Russia-West conflict and its lack of NATO membership make it an ideal host. Vučić has avoided imposing sanctions on Russia, reinforcing his country’s neutral stance.
Preparations for Talks
Trump recently claimed that “Putin wants to meet,” a statement the Kremlin confirmed. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz revealed that preparations for the meeting are underway.
The meeting’s format remains undecided, including whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will join. Waltz anticipates at least a phone call between Trump and Putin in the coming weeks.
Trump’s statements about resolving the war within a day have drawn criticism. Ukrainian officials fear reduced U.S. aid under Trump, given his critical stance on current support levels.
The Biden administration, in contrast, continues to provide substantial military aid to Ukraine. This includes a $500 million weapons package to strengthen Kyiv’s position ahead of possible negotiations.
As preparations for the potential meeting unfold, the world watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough in the conflict.