Does Trump's announcement to meet Putin signal progress in Ukraine peace talks? | DW News

Key Concepts

• Trump-Putin Meeting: Planned meeting in Hungary to discuss the war in Ukraine.
• Zelensky-Trump Meeting: Scheduled meeting in Washington prior to the Trump-Putin encounter.
• "Separate but Equal" Diplomacy: Trump's proposed approach to meeting with both leaders individually.
• Russian Stalling Tactics: The Kremlin's alleged use of diplomatic talks to delay pressure and sanctions.
• Long-Range Strike Capabilities: Weapons systems being considered for Ukraine, including Tomahawk missiles and RAM (Ranger Extended Range Attack Munition).
• Economic and Military Pressure: The need for sustained pressure on Russia from the US and its allies.
• Maximalist Demands: Putin's alleged non-starter demands for a settlement in Ukraine.

Trump-Putin Meeting in Hungary

US President Donald Trump announced plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary within the next two weeks. This meeting is intended to find a resolution to the war in Ukraine. Trump stated that he and Putin made "great progress" during a phone call on Thursday, which was their first conversation since mid-August. The planned meeting in Budapest will follow Trump's scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington. Trump described the meetings with both leaders as "badly needed" due to their strained relationship, suggesting a "separate but equal" approach where he would meet with each party individually.

Expert Analysis on the Meetings

John Hardy, Deputy Director of the Russia Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, expressed concern about the timing and potential outcomes of these meetings. He hoped that President Trump would not allow Putin's promises of further diplomatic talks to delay the necessary economic and military pressure on Russia from the United States and its allies. Hardy noted that Russia had requested the conversation with Trump, and questioned whether Trump's recent frustrations with Russia and his comments about providing Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles might have "spooked Putin."

Putin's Diplomatic Strategy

Hardy suggested that the Kremlin is "certainly concerned" about US actions. He described a pattern where Trump becomes frustrated with Putin's unrealistic terms for a settlement in Ukraine, and Putin then attempts to appease Trump. Examples cited include:

• May: Putin suggested resuming talks in Istanbul, which temporarily appeased Trump, despite Western consensus on an ultimatum of ceasefire or sanctions.
• August: When Trump considered tougher economic pressures, Putin proposed a summit in Alaska, which delayed discussions for several weeks. Hardy fears a repetition of this pattern, leading to more wasted time that could be used to pressure Russia.

Concerns for Ukraine and European Allies

Regarding President Zelensky's meeting with Trump, Hardy indicated that Zelensky will have the opportunity to present his case and remind Trump of the current situation. He reiterated that Putin, despite rhetoric about peace, insists on "maximalist non-starter demands" that make a settlement impossible. Hardy hopes Trump has not forgotten these lessons learned over months of difficult diplomacy and is not forgetting "who and what Putin is." He believes there are more "alarm bells" for Ukraine's supporters than a belief in an opportunity arising from this meeting, as nothing has changed on the Russian side regarding their willingness to settle the war on terms Ukraine can live with. Hardy questioned the point of further meetings if Putin's stance remains unchanged, suggesting they would only lead to "more wasting more valuable time."

Long-Range Weapons for Ukraine

The discussion around providing long-range weapons to Ukraine, specifically Tomahawk missiles, appears to be less likely following Trump's recent comments. Hardy acknowledged practical concerns with Tomahawks but highlighted that other long-range strike capabilities are available and are being provided. He specifically mentioned the RAM (Ranger Extended Range Attack Munition), which has a shorter range than Tomahawks but is expected to be available in larger quantities. Hardy stated that Ukraine can receive more RAMs and other options, suggesting that these alternatives could still be on the table even if Tomahawks are not.