In a move that has sent ripples across the geopolitical landscape, former US President Donald Trump hinted at a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very soon,” as high-stakes diplomatic talks in Saudi Arabia loom. The revelation comes at a critical juncture, with the Ukraine war now inching toward its third anniversary and diplomatic efforts intensifying to broker an elusive peace deal.
A Secretive Diplomatic Push?
Speaking to reporters after a flight aboard Air Force One, Trump confirmed that his team has been engaged in “long and hard” discussions with Russian officials, including a reported three-hour meeting between his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Putin. These talks, though largely behind closed doors, signal a shift in approach, as Trump appears convinced that Putin is seeking an end to hostilities.
“I think he wants to stop fighting,” Trump remarked, though he remained ambiguous about the conditions under which such a ceasefire might be brokered. When pressed about Putin’s broader intentions—specifically whether he harbors ambitions of seizing all of Ukraine—Trump suggested he had personally posed the same question to the Russian leader.
“If he’s going to go on… that would have caused me a big problem,” Trump stated, hinting at the potential red lines that might define his approach to negotiations.
Zelensky’s Warning: NATO in the Crosshairs?
While Trump downplayed concerns over continued Russian aggression, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a stark warning, arguing that a weakened NATO could embolden Putin to escalate beyond Ukraine.
Zelensky’s cautionary remarks reflect growing unease in Kyiv, particularly amid speculation that a Trump-led US administration might scale back support for Ukraine and NATO at large. However, Trump dismissed these fears outright, telling reporters he was “not even a little bit” concerned about Zelensky’s statements.
Rubio’s Realism: Peace Talks Won’t Be a One-Day Fix
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to temper expectations, emphasizing that resolving such a protracted conflict would “not be easy.” Set to lead a high-level US delegation to Riyadh for upcoming talks, Rubio acknowledged the complexity of brokering peace, stating that “a process towards peace is not a one-meeting thing.”
Adding to the diplomatic uncertainty, Rubio also confirmed he was unsure who Moscow planned to send to the Saudi-hosted discussions. This ambiguity raises questions about the true intent behind Russia’s participation and whether genuine negotiations will take place or if this is merely another strategic maneuver.
A Ceasefire on the Horizon?
One of the most striking developments came last Wednesday when Trump and Putin reportedly held a lengthy phone call, culminating in an agreement to begin ceasefire negotiations immediately. However, this move blindsided NATO allies and Kyiv alike, with Zelensky firmly reiterating that “no decisions about Ukraine [should be made] without Ukraine.”
Rubio, who spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday, remained cautious about the prospect of a breakthrough. “Right now there is no process,” he stated bluntly. “One phone call does not make peace.”
The Path Forward: Diplomacy or Political Theater?
With Riyadh set to host crucial discussions in the coming days, the world watches as political heavyweights maneuver for leverage. The coming weeks will reveal whether Trump’s confidence in Putin’s willingness to end the war is based on reality or misplaced optimism.
As Rubio succinctly put it, “The next few weeks and days will determine whether this is serious or not.”
For now, speculation runs rampant: Is this the first tangible step toward ending the bloodshed, or merely another chapter in the geopolitical chess game between superpowers? Only time will tell.
