Trump to Meet Putin in Hungary for Ukraine Talks Following Productive Phone Call
Former President Donald Trump has announced his plans to engage in separate meetings with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This decision follows a recent phone call with Putin, which Trump described as “very productive.”
Meeting Details and Timeline
Trump indicated that his conversation with Putin occurred earlier today and was fruitful. He expects to meet with Putin within the next two weeks, although the exact time and location will be determined by the top diplomats from both the United States and Russia.
Simultaneous Talks with Zelensky
In a separate engagement, Trump is scheduled to meet Zelensky tomorrow. During this meeting, he intends to brief the Ukrainian leader on the outcomes of his discussion with the Russian President. Trump acknowledged the strained relationship between Putin and Zelensky, stating, “They don’t get along well.”
Separate but Equal Meetings
To navigate this diplomatic tension, Trump has proposed conducting “separate but equal” meetings with both leaders. “This is a terrible relationship the two of them have,” he remarked, suggesting that in-person meetings might not be feasible.
Discussion on Military Support for Ukraine
During his call with Putin, discussions included the topic of supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. Trump noted that while the U.S. has a substantial stock of these missiles, there are concerns about depleting their inventory. “We can’t deplete,” he stressed.
Trump’s Light-hearted Remarks
Trump also shared a light-hearted anecdote from his conversation with Putin. He jokingly proposed the idea of supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine’s opposition forces, which Putin did not seem to appreciate. “You have to be a bit light-hearted sometimes,” he commented.
This unfolding situation illustrates the complexities of international diplomacy amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As negotiations progress, the outcomes of Trump’s meetings with Putin and Zelensky could significantly influence future relations and actions taken by the involved countries.
