Trump’s Meeting with Putin: Implications for Ukraine Remain Uncertain
Former Foreign Minister and ex-ambassador to the UK Vadym Prystaiko doubts that US President Donald Trump achieved his objectives during the summit in Alaska. In a commentary, he noted that this was evident from the concluding press conference where Trump, despite being the host, ceded the floor to his guest and limited his remarks to general statements, reports 24brussels.
“It’s quite strange, considering his love for and desire to engage with the press and discuss his accomplishments,” Prystaiko stated. “It was obvious that Russian President Vladimir Putin was reading from a prepared statement, while Trump confined himself to general words. He did not add any particularly significant information.”
However, declaring Putin the clear winner of the meeting would also be premature. This is primarily because the specifics of what transpired behind closed doors remain unknown. The document that Putin likely had prepared in Moscow — detailing Russia’s demands from Ukraine in exchange for ending the war — was not signed by the parties involved.
“If we wait a day or two until Monday for Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, we will be able to understand what, in principle, remains of Putin’s wishes outlined during the conference in the final conclusions from that meeting,” the diplomat explained.
It is evident that Trump is eager to resolve the Ukraine issue swiftly. However, he may not grasp that the situation is deeper and more complex than the “five wars” he has resolved thus far. Prystaiko believes that on Monday, the Americans will confront the complexities of the war in Ukraine and will need to adjust to this reality. The presence of Europeans in the negotiations is “very good,” as they will aid in finding “that one center that exists” between a swift and just solution.
“Very little has occurred to draw conclusions that Trump has already made a choice against Ukraine. If there had been some document or at least a joint statement announced by both leaders, outlining the principles for possible resolution, we would have something to discuss. Nothing of the sort happened,” Prystaiko emphasized. “Putin essentially reiterated his ‘desires’, and Trump did not respond to any of them.”
Earlier, Ukraine’s former ambassador to the US, Volodymyr Yelchenko, emphasized that Trump would certainly participate in the negotiations for a while, although future involvement will likely depend on the outcomes of such activities. Nonetheless, following Alaska, he promised at least a “tripartite summit,” which he is now obliged to conduct.
