Trump Ready for 'Test Meeting' with Putin, Ukraine Concerns
US President Donald Trump lowered expectations for his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, calling it a "test meeting" and saying he was ready to withdraw if no agreement was reached. In a press conference, Trump claimed he could tell within the first two minutes whether a deal was possible, and if not, he would allow both sides to continue the conflict. He also unveiled plans for negotiations on a "territory swap," despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's assertion that his country's constitution prohibits giving territory to Russia.
Trump said he would "go to Russia" to meet Putin, even though the meeting actually took place in Alaska. He did not stipulate a ceasefire as a precondition, a concern for Ukraine and its European allies. Zelensky emphasized that any negotiations must begin with a ceasefire to avoid escalating into an attack. Concerns were further compounded by Trump's failure to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine or future commitments to military support.
Vice President JD Vance even explicitly stated that the US would no longer fund the Ukraine war, and that aid would only come if purchased by European allies. This statement reinforces concerns that the Trump administration will reduce direct support to Kyiv. Preparations for this meeting are considered rushed, without detailed negotiations or prior agreements, which are standard procedure in high-level diplomacy.
To date, the White House has not announced the exact location of the meeting, its duration, or whether Trump will preside over the direct meeting between Putin and Zelensky. European officials have acknowledged that there are low-level discussions between Russia and the US, but they will not be present in Alaska, making it difficult to influence the course of the negotiations. NATO and its allies are working to protect Trump from potential political maneuvering by Putin, including arranging a video call with Trump before the meeting.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who has a good relationship with Trump, issued a stern warning to the US president to exercise caution. The main concern is that Putin could use this meeting to flatter, buy time, and influence Trump to accept Russia's narrative. Trump's history of blaming Ukraine for the invasion and refusing to join Western allies in condemning Russian aggression at the UN remains high in the eyes of Ukraine and its European allies. (ayu)
Source: Newsmaker.id
