Russia Rejects Trump’s Peace Summit Proposal with Ukraine

Russia has dismissed Donald Trump‘s proposal for a three-way peace summit involving Ukraine, signaling a reluctance to engage in discussions that would include the Ukrainian leadership. The announcement follows a meeting between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where the idea was initially suggested.

During a press briefing, Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, stated that the notion of a three-way meeting was not discussed and that the Russian side had not commented on the proposal. This response indicates a firm stance from the Kremlin, which appears intent on excluding Ukraine from negotiations regarding its own future.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire but noted a lack of clear public response from Russia. He stated, “The near future must show what the consequences will be if Russia continues to drag out the war and disrupt constructive efforts.” Zelensky’s comments highlight Ukraine’s desire for peace while acknowledging the challenges posed by Russia’s current position.

If Trump meets with Putin, it would mark their first in-person encounter since 2019 at the G20 summit. Putin suggested that the talks could potentially take place in the United Arab Emirates. However, skepticism surrounds the likelihood of such a summit. Former defense attaché at the British Embassy in Moscow, John Foreman, expressed concerns that the meeting lacks adequate preparation, stating, “This has all the signs of going off half cocked.”

Foreman further commented on the dynamics at play, suggesting that Trump might be attempting to broker a peace agreement without the necessary groundwork, while Putin could merely be using the opportunity to delay meaningful negotiations. He warned that Ukraine could be left “in the lurch” in the process.

In the United States, top diplomat Marco Rubio indicated uncertainty regarding the timing of a Trump-Putin meeting. On a recent appearance on Fox News, he noted that progress on negotiations would be a determining factor. “If we get 75-85 percent of the way there, a leaders-level meeting could close it,” he stated, underscoring the complexities involved in reaching a consensus.

Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate. Recent reports indicated that Russian drone strikes in Nikopol resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, including a 23-year-old rescuer, Danylo Khizhnyak. Survivors described the attack as a “double tap” strike intended to target first responders. In addition, Ukrainian forces from the 82nd Separate Airborne Assault Brigade have been actively engaging Russian positions in Donetsk using a D-30 howitzer.

As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely to see how these developments will impact the ongoing conflict and the potential for future negotiations.