Zelenskyy urges meeting with Trump before talks with Putin
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stresses the importance of meeting U.S. President Trump before his talks with Putin. Trump plans to meet Zelenskyy soon, amid ongoing discussions about the Ukraine war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is eager to meet U.S. President Donald Trump prior to his discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy stated, "It is very important, otherwise it will look like a dialogue about Ukraine without Ukraine." He emphasised the need for partners to address their issues first before engaging with adversaries.
During his campaign, Trump asserted he could end the war in Ukraine in a day, but two weeks into his second term, no resolution has been reached. The specifics of how the U.S. might prompt an end to the conflict remain unclear.
Trump mentioned he's likely to meet with Zelenskyy in the coming week, but it's uncertain whether it will be in-person or remote. "I'm here," he responded when asked about the meeting venue.
Trump, who spoke alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, confirmed he would not travel to Ukraine. He expressed a desire to meet with Putin, recalling their longstanding "good relationship." The Kremlin urged patience regarding any discussions between Putin and Trump.
If a meeting occurs, it is anticipated that the leaders will address Trump's preference for a swift conclusion to the Ukraine war. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov asserted, "Russia is open to negotiations. In any case, a settlement should come as a result of negotiations."
Reports suggest that Trump expects Ukraine to supply the U.S. with rare earth minerals in exchange for support. Zelenskyy indicated Ukraine is amenable to such negotiations, provided security guarantees are included.
Zelenskyy noted that less than 20 per cent of Ukraine's mineral resources, including about half its rare earth deposits, remain under Russian occupation. Since Russia's invasion on February 24, 2022, which was termed a "special military operation" by Putin, Russia has occupied nearly one-fifth of Ukraine without overthrowing the Kyiv government.
The impact of the war has been devastating, with Zelenskyy reporting over 45,000 Ukrainian soldier fatalities, and the UN estimating more than 12,500 civilian deaths since the start of the invasion. The actual casualties could be higher, as the human toll remains a focal point for Trump as he critiques the conflict.
Trump expressed his desire for an end to the war on humanitarian grounds, stating, "I'd like to see that end. It's a ridiculous war."
