Trump Signals Potential Talks with Putin, Sparks Global Diplomacy as Ukraine War Nears Third Year
In a bold statement that has sent shockwaves through the international community, US President Donald Trump revealed on Sunday that he could meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very soon” to discuss an end to the brutal war in Ukraine.
Addressing reporters after a flight aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed confidence that Putin is eager to halt the fighting, saying, “I think he wants to stop fighting.” Trump, who has been in close talks with Russian officials, including his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who met with Putin for a lengthy three-hour conversation, added, “I think he wants to end it, and they want to end it fast. Both of them.”
This revelation comes just as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares to lead a high-level US delegation to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for crucial peace talks with Russian officials.
However, Rubio tempered expectations, noting that resolving the war would be a long and difficult process. “A process towards peace is not a one-meeting thing,” Rubio remarked, emphasizing the complexity of the conflict that has ravaged Ukraine for nearly three years.
While Trump remains optimistic, claiming he could bring the war to a swift conclusion if re-elected, Rubio made it clear that this is no easy task. “Nothing’s been finalized yet,” Rubio said, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming talks.
The fate of the peace negotiations hangs in the balance as the US team, including Witkoff and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, prepares to engage with Russian officials in a bid to secure a broader conversation that could lead to peace.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced deep concerns over Trump’s approach, warning that Russia might seek to weaken NATO if US support wanes. Zelensky’s comments, however, were dismissed by Trump, who expressed no concern over the Ukrainian leader’s messaging, saying, “I’m not even a little bit concerned.”
The growing tension comes just days after Trump and Putin held a lengthy phone call, where they agreed to initiate ceasefire negotiations. This move blindsided both NATO allies and Kyiv, with Zelensky insisting that “no decisions about Ukraine should be made without Ukraine.”
With the war nearing its third anniversary, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether the peace talks will yield results. As Trump signals a potential breakthrough, global leaders remain on edge, watching closely to see whether Putin is serious about ending the conflict.
Stay tuned for updates as the high-stakes diplomacy unfolds in Riyadh, with the future of Ukraine and the security of Europe hanging in the balance.
