According to Russian sources, which “The Moscow Times” refers to, the Kremlin is considering organizing the meeting of Trump and Putin in April or May, but not later than in June; One of the potential terms are area Easter (April 20).
There are several locations in the game on the game Middle Eastbut The most likely place of conversations is Saudi Arabiain which negotiations between the US and Russia recently took place. This location and time would indicate Trump's declarations, which last week mentioned that he was going to visit this region for about a month and a half.
Kremlin's priority: get as much as possible
Russia He hopes that the longer he will delay the meeting, the more concessions can be obtained from Washington in exchange for suspension of weapons Ukraine. According to Russian sources, Kremlin There is no pressure on a quick agreement, because the situation on the Ukrainian front is conducive to the Russians. At the same time, he does not want to miss the opportunity to talk, because Trump cares about the rapid suspension of the weapon.
The most difficult point of the upcoming conversations will be to agree on the conditions of suspension of fighting. Washington He has already obtained permission Kiev for a 30-day weapon suspension, but Moscow still insists on fulfilling his demands. Among others Maintaining control over taken territories and further progress on the front.
Trump presses, Moscow is in no hurry
Donald Trump publicly declares that He wants to meet Putin as soon as possiblebut The Kremlin does not respond to these announcements with enthusiasm. Russian diplomats remember the fiasco of the peak in Helsinki In 2018 and emphasize that this time talks must end with specific agreements.
“The Moscow Times” reminds you that Preparation of the meeting of this rank usually lasts for months. For example, Putin's peak with Joe Biden in Geneva in 2021 required five months of intensive negotiations. This time time is limited, and technical talks between US and Russia delegations have already been held in Riyadh and Istanbul.
The US president has recently announced Sending your emissary Steve Witkoff to Moscowand soon another Trump – Putin phone call may come. In the coming weeks it will turn out whether the talks will actually lead to the meeting and what conditions will be negotiated.
– President's adviser for national security Mike Waltz talked to his Russian counterpart, while the Special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will be in Moscow this week – said on Wednesday a spokeswoman for the White House Karoline Leavitt. She added that the US administration encourages Russia to suspend their weapons.
Source: “The Moscow Times”, Reuters