The possibility of a direct meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, potentially mediated by former U.S. President Donald Trump, has become a subject of considerable speculation. Trump has frequently stated his belief that he possesses the unique ability to bring an end to the ongoing conflict, an assertion that inherently raises questions about his capacity to facilitate such a high-stakes encounter.
A central inquiry revolves around whether Trump could successfully persuade President Zelensky to agree to sit down with President Putin. This would require overcoming significant diplomatic and emotional barriers given the current state of relations. Equally challenging is the prospect of convincing President Putin to engage in direct negotiations with President Zelensky. Both leaders have established firm positions, and the conditions under which either would agree to a mediated summit are complex and multifaceted.
The notion of a Trump-brokered meeting hinges on his perceived influence and negotiating prowess. Observers are keenly watching to see if his involvement could indeed open a pathway for dialogue that has remained elusive through other diplomatic channels. Any such development would represent a major shift in the efforts to resolve the protracted conflict, testing the willingness of all parties to explore new avenues for resolution. The feasibility of such a meeting ultimately depends on the receptiveness of both Kyiv and Moscow to third-party intervention and the specific terms that might be proposed for a face-to-face discussion.
