Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to meeting with President-elect Donald Trump, according to the Kremlin.
On Friday, the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov stated that a mutual desire and political will for dialogue are essential to make such a meeting happen.
He noted that Trump has expressed his readiness to discuss the ongoing war with Ukraine, and the Kremlin is welcoming this approach.
However, Peskov also mentioned that the formal talks would likely have to wait until Trump officially takes office on January 20th.
Trump Discusses Potential Meeting
Trump confirmed on Thursday that Putin is eager to meet with him and that preparations for the meeting are underway.
While he didn’t provide a specific timeline, Trump emphasized that one of the key issues he plans to address is the resolution of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
“We have to get that war over with,” Trump stated during a press briefing at Mar-a-Lago.
This comment reflects his ongoing position on ending the war, something he has repeatedly stressed.
Ukraine’s Concerns and NATO’s Role
Ukraine has been receiving significant military aid from the United States under President Joe Biden’s administration, amounting to $61.4 billion since Russia’s invasion.
There are growing concerns within Ukraine about whether Trump might reduce or cut off that support.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that any peace negotiation would need strong security guarantees to ensure Ukraine’s protection from Russia, which has a history of invasions.
Zelensky suggested that European security assurances might not be enough, emphasizing the need for joint guarantees from both the U.S. and Europe.
Additionally, Zelensky has pushed for Ukraine’s membership in NATO, which would invoke the alliance’s collective defense pact if any member is attacked.
However, Trump has expressed some sympathy for Russia’s opposition to Ukraine joining NATO.
Reports have suggested that Trump is considering a proposal to delay Ukraine’s NATO membership for at least 20 years in exchange for lucrative arms deals with the country.
A Proposed Demilitarized Zone
In the midst of the conflict, a potential ceasefire proposal has emerged, which includes the creation of a large demilitarized zone (DMZ).
This zone could freeze the fighting in place and lead to Ukraine conceding up to 20% of its territory.
This “800-mile DMZ” plan aims to halt further escalation, but there are significant challenges to implementing such an agreement, primarily due to the reluctance of key parties involved.
Trump’s Relationship with Zelensky and Putin
Trump and Zelensky have already communicated ahead of Trump’s second term, with Zelensky describing their conversation as “excellent.”
Trump has also met with Putin several times during his first term and has consistently expressed admiration for the Russian leader.
As Trump prepares for his second term, the outcome of his potential meeting with Putin and his approach to the Ukraine conflict remain uncertain, with many geopolitical factors at play.