U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future. He expressed his belief that Putin genuinely aims to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. “No specific time has been set, but it could happen very soon,” Trump stated after a flight aboard Air Force One. His remarks followed a briefing from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who tempered expectations regarding imminent high-level talks in Riyadh focused on resolving the war.
As Mr. Rubio prepares to lead a significant American delegation to engage with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia’s capital, the backdrop is one of intensified diplomatic activity. The Ukraine conflict is on the brink of its third anniversary, a grim milestone for all involved. Trump recounted that his administration has engaged in extensive dialogue with Russian representatives, mentioning that his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently met with Putin for an intense three-hour discussion.
When pressed on whether he believes Putin intends to seize control of all of Ukraine, Trump replied, “That was a direct question I posed to him.” He added, “If he intends to pursue that path, it certainly poses significant issues for me.” His sentiment seems earnest: “I think he wants to end it, and they want a swift resolution. Both sides do,” he remarked, also acknowledging Zelensky’s desire to conclude the conflict.
As the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches on February 24, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns that Russia may be gearing up to “wage war” against a weakened NATO, particularly if Trump were to lessen U.S. support for the alliance. Trump’s reaction to Zelensky’s warning was dismissive, proclaiming that he was “not even slightly” worried about the Ukrainian leader’s statements.
The Republican figurehead has frequently asserted that if he returns to the White House, he could resolve the Ukraine conflict in just a day. Yet, Rubio countered this bold assertion, explaining that resolving such a protracted, violent, and intricate issue is unlikely to be so straightforward. “Achieving peace is not about a single meeting,” Rubio stressed during an interview at the Munich Security Conference.
While Rubio’s delegation gears up for discussions in Riyadh, details about Russian participation remain uncertain. “Nothing has been finalized yet,” he confessed, emphasizing the desire to create a forum for a broader dialogue that would incorporate Ukraine in seeking an end to hostilities. Meanwhile, Witkoff and U.S. National Security Adviser Michael Waltz are expected to lend their expertise during the talks.
Earlier this week, leaders from both nations engaged in a lengthy phone call, during which they agreed to initiate ceasefire negotiations immediately—a development that caught NATO allies and Ukraine off guard. Zelensky has remained firm, insisting that there should be “no decisions regarding Ukraine without Ukraine.” As Rubio accurately pointed out, “Currently, there is no active process,” implying that a single phone call does not equate to a genuine pathway to peace.
In a candid interview with NBC, Zelensky labeled Putin a “serial liar,” declaring that trusting him as a negotiating partner was fraught with peril. In response, Rubio was pragmatic: “In geopolitics, trust is a luxury no one can afford. The forthcoming weeks and days will reveal whether Putin is sincere in his intentions.” This moment in history hangs in the balance, with the potential for either progress or further entrenchment in conflict.
The complexities surrounding the involvement of international powers in the Ukraine crisis reveal a tangled web of interests and beliefs. Amid the clamor for peace, it is essential to remember that diplomacy often requires patience and resilience. The interaction between Trump, Putin, and Ukrainian leadership will inevitably shape not only the future of Ukraine but also the geopolitical landscape for years to come. Will these talks lead to a breakthrough, or are we merely witnessing an illusion of progress in a seemingly endless struggle?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring
