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Monday 23/02/2026

Trump-Putin Summit: A New Chapter in Ukraine Conflict Negotiations

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in a tense meeting
Alex CarterAlex Carter

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Donald Trump plans to meet Vladimir Putin to discuss the Ukraine conflict, despite Russia's refusal to engage directly with Ukraine's President Zelenskyy.
  • Russia's demands for a ceasefire include Ukraine's recognition of Russian sovereignty over certain regions and demilitarization, which Kyiv finds unacceptable.
  • The Kremlin may be using the talks to avoid secondary sanctions threatened by Trump and to persuade him of its conditions to end the war.
  • Mixed messages from US and Russian officials indicate a chaotic approach to the proposed summit, with no clear agreement on a trilateral meeting including Ukraine.
  • European capitals and Kyiv are concerned about the potential for a US-Russia agreement that excludes Ukraine from discussions about its future.

In a bid to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, former US President Donald Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite the latter's refusal to engage directly with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The planned summit comes amid a backdrop of relentless violence in Ukraine, with Russia continuing its aggressive military campaign since its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Background and Current Developments

The conflict has seen Russia pressing forward with a bloody advance in eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv retaliates with drone attacks on Russian energy facilities. Despite three rounds of talks between Russia and Ukraine from May to July, no significant progress has been made towards peace. Trump, expressing his determination to end the war, has taken the initiative to mediate, although the vast differences between Kyiv and Moscow pose significant challenges.

Russia's demands, outlined in a memorandum to Ukraine in June, include the recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, as well as Ukraine's demilitarization and neutrality. These conditions have been met with resistance from Kyiv, which views them as unacceptable.

Diplomatic Maneuvering and Strategic Interests

The Kremlin's agreement to a Trump-Putin meeting may be driven by a desire to avoid secondary sanctions that Trump has threatened to impose on Moscow's trading partners. Additionally, Russia might aim to convince Trump of the merits of its conditions to end the war. However, the mixed messaging from US and Russian officials has led to confusion, with reports of a potential trilateral meeting including Zelenskyy being denied by the Kremlin.

International Concerns and Potential Outcomes

The prospect of a US-Russia summit without Ukraine's involvement has raised alarms in Kyiv and European capitals. These stakeholders insist that Ukraine must be part of any discussions about its future. Meanwhile, Russia appears to favor a "great powers summit," potentially negotiating with Trump over the heads of European nations.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The upcoming Trump-Putin summit could either pave the way for new diplomatic efforts or exacerbate existing tensions if Ukraine's interests are sidelined. Should the talks proceed without Kyiv's involvement, it may lead to increased friction between the US and its European allies. Experts suggest that any agreement excluding Ukraine could undermine its sovereignty and embolden Russia's aggressive stance. The international community will be closely watching the developments, as the outcome could significantly impact the geopolitical landscape and the future of the Ukraine conflict.