Trump to Host Zelenskyy Amidst Plans for Meeting with Putin
WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump is preparing to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he simultaneously pursues plans for another meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to reports from NPR.The developments signal a renewed push by Trump to broker an end to the conflict in Ukraine,though perspectives on the possibility of a peaceful resolution sharply diverge between the involved parties.
Trump recently suggested to Putin that he might facilitate the transfer of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, a proposal Putin reportedly rejected. Zelenskyy, however, has actively requested these weapons, offering a potential exchange of increased drone provision to the U.S. in return. While Trump indicated openness to the idea, he expressed a preference for a swift end to the war altogether, stating, “Hopefully, they won’t need it. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get the war over with without thinking about Tomahawk.”
This push for diplomacy follows a previous meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska that yielded limited progress toward a ceasefire or negotiations. Trump had initially hoped the meeting would lead to direct talks between Putin and Zelenskyy, but those efforts stalled.
Notably, Trump’s rhetoric regarding Putin has shifted recently. While he continues to assert a “good relationship” with the Russian leader, he acknowledged the possibility that Putin may be attempting to mislead him.He has also revised his assessment of Ukraine’s potential for reclaiming territory, stating he believes Ukraine can take back all of its land from Russia.
Trump believes ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict will be less challenging than resolving the recent crisis in the Middle East,citing his success in brokering a peace deal there. “The war in the Middle East was far more complex.We got that one done. And I think we have a good chance,” he said.
However, Zelenskyy remains skeptical of Putin’s willingness to negotiate, stating Putin is “not ready for peace” and needs to be compelled to the negotiating table. Zelenskyy has indicated he is open to a meeting with Putin, with or without Trump’s involvement.
The timing and location of both the meeting with Zelenskyy and the planned meeting with Putin in Hungary remain uncertain, though Trump has expressed a desire to hold the latter within the next two weeks.
(Source: NPR report dated [Date of NPR report – not explicitly stated in text, but implied to be current as of broadcast])
