Potential Peace Talks: Biden White House Considers Trilateral Meeting with Putin, Trump, and Zelensky

The White House is exploring the possibility of arranging a three-way discussion between Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and former President Donald Trump. This development could mark a significant step toward peace in Ukraine.

Trump, who has expressed frustration over the ongoing conflict and a desire to see it resolved, has shown a complex stance towards the situation. Early in his presidency, he publicly clashed with Zelensky, even culminating in a notable exchange in the Oval Office. However, Trump later acknowledged that Putin was “tapping us along,” smiling and complimenting U.S. efforts while continuing missile and drone strikes on civilian targets.

Relations between the U.S. and Ukraine improved during Trump’s administration, with Ukraine signing an agreement to establish a reconstruction fund and Europe agreeing to fund U.S. weapon support. Trump set a 50-day deadline for Russia to cease hostilities, which he then shortened when the fighting persisted past that point.

Shift in Approach and Upcoming Meeting

On the deadline day, instead of imposing additional sanctions, Trump agreed to meet Putin face-to-face in Alaska this Friday. Reports suggest that Putin may have loosened his demands for regime change in Ukraine, though he still seeks control over about a third of Ukrainian territory, including areas he has struggled to capture since 2014.

The decision was reportedly influenced by indications from Putin, via Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, that negotiations might be feasible. Still, any deal between Trump and Putin would only be meaningful if Ukraine is part of the talks, emphasizing the need for Kyiv’s involvement.

Assessing Putin’s Position and Ukraine’s Resilience

Despite claims from some commentators that Putin is strong, his “summer offensive” is making slow progress with heavy casualties—around 250,000 soldiers dead and a million wounded—while the Russian economy faces strains. Meanwhile, Ukraine has achieved notable victories, including using drones to destroy Russian bombers, demonstrating its resilience and tactical ingenuity.

Putin’s current position is weak; he has not achieved decisive victory and faces humiliation. While critics argue U.S. weapons are pivotal, Ukraine’s defense has notably contributed to slowing Putin’s advances, making the world safer.

Conclusion: The Importance of Ukrainian Involvement

The key to a lasting peace lies in including Ukraine in negotiations. Any agreement lacking robust security guarantees for Ukraine and enforceable sanctions risks allowing Russia to rearm and re-invade. As the conflict remains a brutal stalemate, Ukraine may need to make concessions—if they help negotiate them. Ensuring Ukraine’s voice is heard in Alaska is vital for a fair and sustainable resolution.