President Trump found himself in an unexpected moment on Monday, speaking candidly into a hot mic with a European leader. His remarks hinted at a trilateral meeting in the works involving Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “I think he [Putin] wants to make a deal. I think he wants to make a deal for me,” Trump stated right before a meeting, indicating his belief in Putin’s readiness for negotiations, even describing the prospect as “crazy” yet hopeful.
This conversation occurred just before Trump met with key European figures, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. During this gathering, the president discussed the upcoming dynamics of diplomacy, suggesting that, “with Putin, we have to do something,” reinforcing his commitment to seeking peace.
Following this informal discussion, the president confirmed that he would be engaging Putin directly to set up an official meeting with Zelensky. Trump conveyed that he had already “begun the arrangements” for this significant conversation, one he believes could potentially end the ongoing conflict. He described the planned meeting as a “Very Good, Early Step” toward peace, with Chancellor Merz corroborating that this meeting is expected to happen within two weeks.
The communication between Trump and Zelensky is promising. It demonstrates Trump’s willingness to engage in dialogue with Putin, hoping for a resolution that has eluded many leaders before him. As the situation develops, the anticipation of a face-to-face meeting among the three leaders stands out as a potential turning point in the efforts to achieve stability in the region. As more updates unfold, Trump’s role in these negotiations could reflect his unique approach to international diplomacy.
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