The Kremlin has downplayed the potential for a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky. The development comes as US President Donald Trump urged the leaders to negotiate an end to the ongoing war. Despite Trump's calls, he acknowledged the difficulty in resolving the conflict and hinted that Putin may not be interested in making peace.

 

Putin suggested Zelenskyy could visit Moscow, a proposition Kyiv is unlikely to accept. The move appears designed to put Ukraine in a challenging position. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed that any meeting must be meticulously prepared, suggesting an expert-level approach first.

 

Trump recently met with Putin and European leaders, including Zelensky, as part of his diplomatic efforts. Talks have progressed towards potential security guarantees for Ukraine, despite the lack of a ceasefire. Trump emphasised that the US could provide air support if European nations deployed ground troops in Ukraine during a ceasefire or peace agreement.

 

While Trump’s exact plans remain vague, European leaders are working on creating a reassurance force for Ukraine. A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that the UK- and France-led coalition will meet with US officials to strengthen security plans. Efforts to secure peace are ongoing, but challenges persist in aligning the differing demands of Moscow and Kyiv, reported the BBC.

 

Despite enthusiasm from some European leaders for direct talks, scepticism prevails about Putin’s intentions. French President Emmanuel Macron and Finnish President Alexander Stubb voiced concerns over trusting the Russian leader. More diplomatic efforts are expected as European allies assess Trump’s level of support for resolving the crisis.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-08-20

 

Anybody surprised?trump says they agreed to meet then this lol poor trump just can’t seem to score any points for his nonsense summit and photo op.To me the question is will trumps narcissistic personality allow him to adjust his strategy and accept what the experts have told him.

2 minutes ago, Tug said:

Anybody surprised?trump says they agreed to meet then this lol poor trump just can’t seem to score any points for his nonsense summit and photo op.To me the question is will trumps narcissistic personality allow him to adjust his strategy and accept what the experts have told him.

He never learns or develops his position.

He doesn't have a set strategy. 

People who have worked with him closely and later speak freely all say he' influenced by the last person he spoke to. That's insane. It's insane that he has all that power. But tragically he does.

Senator Lindsey Graham is advocating for a sweeping sanctions bill to compel Vladimir Putin to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky and discuss an end to the Ukraine war.

 

The proposed legislation would impose significant tariffs, potentially 500 per cent, on countries like China and India that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas.

 

Graham stated that Donald Trump is prepared to 'crush' Russia's economy if Putin does not engage in peace talks.

The bipartisan bill has garnered support from 85 senators, though it currently lacks explicit endorsement from the White House.

 

Trump ‘prepared to crush Russia’s economy if Putin turns down peace talks’

 

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, a supporter of the bill, cautioned against excessive optimism for a peace deal, emphasising that Putin responds to strength and pressure.

Tell Donald, Richard. The rest of the world knows already.