Trump-Putin Summit Preps Begin as U.S. Ends Moscow Isolation/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Russia and the U.S. are preparing for a Trump-Putin summit, signaling a significant shift in American foreign policy amid the ongoing Ukraine war. Talks aim to normalize relations and address global issues, though Ukraine and European allies remain sidelined. Preparations are in early stages, with envoys set to meet within two weeks.
Trump-Putin Summit Prep Quick Looks:
- Summit Plans: Russia’s deputy foreign minister confirms early-stage talks for a Trump-Putin meeting.
- Key Goals: Discussions to cover global security, Ukraine war, and diplomatic normalization.
- Envoy Meetings: U.S. and Russian diplomats to meet within two weeks for preparatory work.
- Saudi Arabia Talks: High-level U.S.-Russia meeting marked dramatic policy shift; Ukraine not present.
- Ukraine’s Reaction: Zelenskyy rejects talks excluding Kyiv; postpones Saudi Arabia visit.
- European Concerns: Allies worry about being sidelined in peace negotiations.
- Diplomatic Priorities: Plans include restoring embassy staff and discussing economic cooperation.
- Russian Perspective: Lavrov hails talks as “very useful”; U.S. calls it a conversation starter.
- Geopolitical Impact: Summit could reshape global alliances and Ukraine war strategy.
- Caution Ahead: Trump administration emphasizes early stage; no summit date set.
Trump-Putin Summit Preps Begin as U.S. Ends Moscow Isolation
Deep Look:
Trump-Putin Summit Plans Signal Major Policy Shift
Russia and the United States are moving toward a face-to-face summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, a stark departure from the previous Western strategy of isolating Moscow over its nearly three-year war in Ukraine.
Speaking to Russian state media, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov emphasized that talks are in early stages, but the goal is to normalize relations and address global security concerns beyond just the Ukraine conflict.
“This is about moving toward resolving the most acute and potentially dangerous situations,” Ryabkov stated.
Saudi Talks Set the Stage
- The breakthrough comes after a high-level meeting in Saudi Arabia between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Both sides agreed to:
- Restore embassy staffing in Washington and Moscow
- Create a high-level team to support Ukraine peace talks
- Explore economic cooperation
“We’re beginning a long conversation that requires much more work,” Rubio told reporters.
Lavrov described the discussions as “very useful,” highlighting Russia’s eagerness to move forward.
Ukraine and Allies Express Concern
Noticeably absent from the Saudi talks, Ukraine voiced strong opposition. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected any agreements made without Kyiv’s involvement, postponing his planned visit to Saudi Arabia in protest.
“Ukraine will not accept deals made behind our backs,” Zelenskyy declared.
European allies echoed these concerns, worried that the talks could undermine their role in resolving the war and shift geopolitical alliances.
Why This Summit Matters
- If successful, a Trump-Putin summit could:
- Reshape the Ukraine peace process
- Influence global economic cooperation
- Alter U.S.-Europe relations and NATO strategies
- Create new geopolitical risks if Ukraine’s interests are sidelined
What’s Next?
- Envoy meetings planned within two weeks to lay groundwork for the summit.
- No official date set, but Russia expects intensive preparations ahead.
- Potential for significant diplomatic shifts depending on summit outcomes.
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