Trump Initiates Peace Talks: Upcoming Saudi Meeting with Putin Aims to End Ukraine War

Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskyy engage in a discussion amidst the flags of the United States and Ukraine, signaling a diplomatic dialogue regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In a bold move aimed at halting the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, President Donald Trump has revealed his intention to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia. While the specific date remains unconfirmed, the meeting marks a significant step towards negotiating peace, albeit without Ukrainian participation.

During a White House briefing, Trump expressed his primary goal of ceasing hostilities and preserving lives, emphasizing, "I'm just here to try and get peace. I don't care so much about anything other than I want to stop having millions of people killed." This sentiment underlies the urgency behind the US-mediated peace talks aimed at finding a resolution to the nearly three-year-old war.

Following weeks of speculation about his stance, Trump confirmed he had engaged in conversations with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The talks come as part of intensified US diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, fulfilling Trump’s campaign promise to resolve the war swiftly upon his election. Yet, securing an agreement remains a daunting task.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, on a trip to Europe, indicated that a resolution might require Ukraine to forfeit claims to Crimea and its aspirations for NATO membership. Trump's agreement with this notion signals a potential shift in US foreign policy, aligning with Hegseth's belief that pre-2014 Ukrainian borders are "unrealistic" goals.

Trump's diplomatic strategy involves assembling a team led by key figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security advisor Michael Waltz, tasked with spearheading negotiations. Notably absent from this team is Keith Kellogg, previously leading these efforts, raising questions about the strategic reshuffle.

Meanwhile, Trump's outreach extends beyond the negotiating table as he considers visiting Ukraine, reflecting a personal commitment to engaging directly with the conflict's stakeholders. With developments unfolding rapidly, Trump's efforts underscore a pivotal moment in international diplomacy, shaping future geopolitical dynamics in Europe.