A former American ambassador to Ukraine argues that Trump should avoid a meeting with Putin in the absence of Ukraine, while the State Department maintains it is „more concerned about actions than trust.”
Former US ambassador to Ukraine, William Taylor, has a clear message for President Donald Trump ahead of the much-discussed meeting with Vladimir Putin: to immediately impose the promised sanctions against Russia and China and to insist on a trilateral meeting that includes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In an interview with Kyiv Post in Washington, Taylor emphasized that an armistice requires the agreement of both Russia and Ukraine, which is why a meeting without the participation of Kyiv would be meaningless.
He invoked the principle of "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine", arguing that for a meeting to truly be successful - meaning to lead to an armistice - both parties must be present to reach an agreement.
Putin's Hidden Agenda
Taylor believes that Putin's main reason for requesting a meeting is not to stop the war, but the desire to "be seen as reintegrated into the international political society," essentially a propaganda mission.
Putin is "an indicted war criminal" and a "pariah" who has been rightfully excluded. The Russian leader seeks a summit with Trump to be recognized as a significant global player. This would be a symbolic victory for the Kremlin leader.
According to Taylor, Putin will try to divert Trump from the objective of an armistice and to continue the war.
It seems that Trump is increasingly frustrated by Russia's lack of progress towards peace, and Taylor hopes this will prompt the president to engage in discussions with the clear intention of achieving an armistice, but only with all parties at the table.
Although the White House has announced tariffs on India due to purchases of Russian oil and new sanctions against Russia are expected, many details remain unknown.
Actions Need to Match Words
On the other hand, the State Department commented on Thursday regarding Trump's intentions to accept Putin's meeting offer.
When asked by Kyiv Post correspondent, one of the spokespersons, Tommy Pigott, stated that the administration's approach is not based on "trust," but on "actions."
The State Department reiterated Trump's disappointment with Russia's recent behavior, stating that "actions need to match words."
Pigott reiterated the administration's commitment to peace and a diplomatic solution, stating that "bringing parties to the negotiating table is essential." He concluded by emphasizing that the central goal is "supporting the peace effort and ending this war."
Diplomatic Gamble
A summit between Trump and Putin seems imminent, possibly even next week. The meeting place has not yet been determined, but Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar are speculated as possible hosts.
The meeting represents a significant diplomatic gamble for Trump. It could become a historic victory if he manages to end the war.
However, there is also the risk that the summit will be just a diplomatic show that gives Putin more time without producing concrete results. White House officials state that they will approach the meeting with the Russian leader "with eyes wide open" to this risk.