Trump and Putin: A Meeting That Could Change the Course of History?
Could the world be on the brink of a monumental moment? Next week, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin might just have a crucial face-off that could reshape international relations, as confirmed by Moscow's deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy. The anticipation around this meeting is palpable, especially since these two leaders haven't shared a stage since Biden’s term began.
Polyanskiy, speaking candidly to reporters, noted that while there are various locations being considered, specific details about their agreement remain undisclosed. “The timeline is, I think, next week, but that’s again judging from what the presidents said themselves.” He emphasized the uncertainty regarding a potential meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating that while he hadn’t heard of any plans, he wasn’t entirely dismissing the idea.
The last time Putin met with a US president was in June 2021, during Biden’s administration in Geneva—an event that seems like a lifetime ago, given the escalating tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. What started as a purported concern for security has spiraled into a conflict that Western allies describe as an imperial land grab. In a twist of irony, Trump, during his campaign, boldly claimed he could end Russia's war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office. Yet, nearly seven months into his second term, that pledge remains unfulfilled.
Adding another layer to this intricate web of international diplomacy, Trump has imposed a 25 percent tariff on goods imported from India, a direct consequence of New Delhi's ongoing oil purchases from Russia. Despite this economic maneuvering, Trump recently celebrated progress made in talks between his envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin, indicating that dialogue is still very much alive. The White House has hinted that Russia is eager to meet with Trump, with possibilities of this meeting occurring as soon as next week. Could this be a renewed effort to finally put an end to the devastating Russia-Ukraine war, now more than three years in the making?
