Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on Monday expressed the possibility of meeting Ukraine’s President Volodimir Jailnsky in a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Monday. Putin suggested that this meeting could be held in Russia, but it is not clear where the two leaders will meet next time.
French President Emmanuel Macron proposed Geneva as a possible place for the meeting, which was also supported by Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Swiss External Affairs Minister Ignji Cassis said that Switzerland is fully prepared for such a meeting.
He also clarified that despite the arrest warrant against Putin issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes in Ukraine in 2023, he will not be arrested if he comes to Switzerland for a peace conference. Cassis said, “This is possible due to our diplomatic role and the position of Geneva as the United Nations European headquarters.”
Also read: Trump accepted Russia’s terms, Ukraine will change! See in the map- what the country of Jailonsci will look like
Russia’s demands and challenges for the meeting
Russia immediately put up its terms on this proposal. Russian External Affairs Minister Sergei Lavarov adopted an unclear attitude on the issue on Tuesday, indicating that Kremlin has not yet agreed to the Putin-Jalenceci meeting. Cassis reported that Russia has expressed its displeasure with Switzerland, as Switzerland adopted the European Union sanctions after a full -scale invasion of Russia in February 2022.
US President Donald Trump on Monday held a thorough discussion with Jailonski and European leaders at the White House. He spoke on the phone with Putin and proposed his meeting with Jailonsky. Trump said on social media platform Truth Social that he has started making arrangements for organizing this peace talks. German Chancellor Frederick Merge claimed that Jailonsky and Putin could meet in the next two weeks.
Also read: After India, America raises strict message on China after India’s purchase of Russian oil
Putin last visited Geneva in 2021
The recent bilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul, which Moscow considers Turkish NATO more favorable despite being a member of Turkey. Putin last went to Geneva for the summit in June 2021 with the then US President Joe Biden. However, Putin’s international trips are limited due to ICC warrant, and they are mostly traveling to non-ICC member countries such as China, North Korea and Mongolia.
Ukraine President Valodimir Jailonsky said that he is ready for a tripartite meeting in any format, provided it is held. However, no clear commitment has been received by Russia yet. Some analysts believe that Putin’s meeting in Moscow may be a strategic move, which is likely to be rejected by Gelnsky. If this meeting, if it happens, the Russia-Ukraine struggle can be an important step towards peace.
—- End —-