Putin and Trump may meet for crucial talks around easter
The Moscow Times reported on Wednesday, citing representatives of the Russian authorities, that the Kremlin is considering organizing a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in April or May. The most discussed time for the meeting is Easter.
Much of the information shared by Russian media and authorities may be untrue. Such reports could be part of an information war by the Russian Federation.
What you need to know
- The Kremlin plans a meeting between the presidents of Russia and the United States, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, for April or May, with a preference for Easter, according to Russian media.
- The most likely location for the meeting is Saudi Arabia, although other Middle Eastern locations are being considered.
- The talks are expected to cover not only the war in Ukraine but also lifting sanctions and American investments in Russia.
According to media reports, the Kremlin is working intensively on organizing a meeting between the presidents of Russia and the United States. Sources close to the "Moscow Times" indicate that the most probable date is Easter, which Western and Eastern churches celebrate on April 20th this year.
Will Putin meet Trump around Easter?
Media sources suggest that Saudi Arabia is the most likely venue for the meeting, potentially aligning with Donald Trump's planned visit to the region. The Kremlin wants the talks to address not only the war in Ukraine but also bilateral issues such as lifting sanctions and arms control.
The Kremlin wants to delay the meeting as long as possible to obtain concessions from Washington in exchange for halting military actions. According to the portal, "time plays in favor of the Kremlin." The talks would also cover topics like lifting sanctions, American investments in Russian projects, and arms control, in addition to the war in Ukraine.
The Kremlin originally planned more extended preparations for the meeting, but the changing political situation and pressure from European partners have forced them to speed up their actions.
If the situation continues for too long, Washington may lose interest. Opposition to engagement with Moscow is already increasing in the U.S., while European partners continue to apply pressure. Additionally, according to a Russian source familiar with the negotiations, Trump will face an even greater challenge: managing relations with China.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Americans would contact Russia regarding a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. Kyiv agreed to this proposal during Tuesday's talks in Jeddah. On Thursday, the US envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is expected to talk with Putin.
