Trump opposed Zelensky’s participation in negotiations with Putin: what is the reason?
Фото: Reuters
US President Donald Trump has insisted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky not attend talks with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Alaska, citing concerns that Zelensky’s presence could derail dialogue with the Kremlin.
According to The Wall Street Journal, European diplomats initially insisted that NATO representatives or Zelensky himself participate in the meeting. They considered the candidacy of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte or another EU leader.
However, after a series of closed phone calls between Trump and European officials, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Europeans dropped this demand. Instead, they publicly called on Zelensky to participate in future direct negotiations with Putin – after the summit in Alaska.
“Trump expressed concern that Zelensky’s presence right at the start of the negotiations could destabilize the process,” the publication’s sources note.
According to Berlin, which is co-organizing the summit, Trump agreed to a separate meeting with Zelensky after his conversation with Putin. After that, the US president is also expected to brief other Western leaders who participated in the previous online meeting on Wednesday.
Recall that US President Donald Trump is ready to offer Ukraine security guarantees – but outside the North Atlantic Alliance.
As reported, US President Donald Trump planned to present economic incentives at his meeting with Vladimir Putin on August 15 — but not through NATO. If Moscow agrees to end the war in Ukraine, Washington could offer it preferences that would change the balance.
In addition, Donald Trump promised European leaders that during his meeting with Putin he would not talk about the territories of Ukraine, but would insist on an unconditional ceasefire.
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