Trump Weighs Second Meeting with Putin and Zelensky Amid Ceasefire Efforts
Trump Eyes Trilateral Summit Amid Uncertain Ceasefire Prospects
By David Blevins, US Correspondent
In a bold diplomatic maneuver, President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of a second summit involving Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, contingent on the success of an upcoming meeting in Alaska. During a virtual call with European leaders, Trump rated the atmosphere as “very friendly” and expressed his intention to broker a ceasefire during Friday’s bilateral discussions.
The stakes are high as Trump prepares to push for a trilateral meeting to address territorial disputes, but the path forward remains fraught with uncertainty. “If I feel that it is not appropriate to have it because I didn’t get the answers that we have to have, then we’re not going to have a second meeting,” he stated, keeping his options open while acknowledging the challenges ahead.
Despite his characteristic confidence, Trump conceded that persuading Putin to cease targeting civilians may prove difficult. He warned of “very severe consequences” for Russia should the conflict continue, although he refrained from detailing any potential sanctions.
Even if a ceasefire is achieved, the prospect of a territorial agreement appears slim. Zelensky has reportedly informed Trump that Putin is “bluffing” and is unlikely to return any land, complicating the negotiations further.
In just a week, Trump’s rhetoric has shifted dramatically—from discussing land swaps to framing the upcoming meeting as a “listening exercise” aimed at achieving a ceasefire. This fluidity reflects the unpredictable nature of backroom negotiations as Trump prepares for his first face-to-face encounter with Putin in six years.
As Friday’s summit approaches, Trump described it as “setting the table for a second meeting.” However, with the outcome of the discussions still uncertain, many are left wondering if the meal—or deal—will ever be served.
