Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concerns that Russia is actively trying to block a meeting with President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the ongoing conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump has been attempting to facilitate a summit between the two leaders, though he noted the significant differences in their relationship, describing it as “like oil and vinegar.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Putin is willing to meet Zelensky, but insists that a suitable agenda must be established first, claiming that Ukraine’s leader has been uncooperative. In light of extensive diplomatic efforts, including recent meetings with Zelensky and European leaders, Trump has described the situation as increasingly challenging.
Following a conversation with Putin, Trump indicated that he was in the process of arranging a summit that would include himself afterwards. Zelensky has shown support for this endeavor but emphasized the necessity for security guarantees from Western allies to avert future Russian aggression should a peace agreement be reached.
During a visit to Kyiv, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte mentioned that the alliance is collaborating with the U.S. and Europe to strengthen defense commitments to Ukraine. Zelensky seeks security guarantees akin to NATO’s Article 5, which stipulates mutual defense among member states. He acknowledged that substantial effort is required to address Ukraine’s military needs and ensure its strength.
While previous security agreements have often been disregarded, Rutte asserted that lessons have been learned from past experiences, such as the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. Zelensky remarked on the positive direction of discussions in Washington, highlighting a sense of unity, though uncertainty remains regarding the outcomes of these diplomatic efforts.
Amid these developments, Lavrov conveyed skepticism over the potential for a summit, attributing the lack of progress to perceived shortcomings in Ukraine’s flexibility. He further detailed Russian expectations regarding NATO membership and territorial discussions, contending that Ukraine has consistently rejected proposals. Meanwhile, Russia intensified military action, launching multiple drone strikes and missiles against Ukraine.
In separate developments, a Ukrainian drone targeted an oil pumping station in Russia’s Bryansk region, disrupting oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline. This incident marks the third strike on the pipeline in nine days, leading to complaints from both countries to the European Commission. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has reached out to Trump expressing dissatisfaction over the attack, receiving a handwritten response indicating his concern.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgjpmg4r23o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss