China has proposed a summit between Putin and Trump to help resolve the Ukraine conflict. Trump’s recent calls reveal interest from both Putin and Zelenskiy in peace talks. While the Kremlin acknowledges a potential meeting, no direct peace discussions have been held since the war began. Ukraine insists on territorial withdrawal and security guarantees, while China seeks to promote negotiations as a neutral party.
China has proposed a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump aimed at resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine. Reports indicate that Chinese officials have approached the Trump team through intermediaries to facilitate peacekeeping efforts following a potential truce. China’s foreign ministry has not provided any comments regarding this proposal.
In recent communications, Trump mentioned that both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy showed interest in peace during separate phone calls he had with them. Trump has instructed key US officials to initiate discussions on bringing an end to the conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin has acknowledged an agreement between Putin and Trump to meet, with Putin inviting Trump to Moscow, suggesting their first meeting might occur in Saudi Arabia.
Despite efforts, no peace talks regarding Ukraine have taken place since the early days of the conflict, which is nearing its third anniversary. Trump’s predecessor, President Joe Biden, had supplied substantial military aid to Ukraine but did not engage in direct discussions with Putin post-invasion. Currently, Russia controls roughly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, demanding territorial concessions and a neutral stance from Kyiv as part of any peace agreement.
Ukraine has made it clear that it requires the withdrawal of Russian forces from occupied lands and is seeking NATO membership or equivalent security guarantees to ensure protection against future aggressions. The West has repeatedly urged China to leverage its relationship with Russia to facilitate peace talks. However, China maintains its position as a neutral party in the conflict, advocating for peace-oriented discussions on its terms.
Last year, China, in collaboration with Brazil, proposed an international peace conference at an appropriate time, advocating for equal participation from both Ukraine and Russia in the discussions, emphasizing a balanced approach to peace-making efforts.
China’s initiative for a summit between Putin and Trump highlights its potential role in mediating the Ukraine conflict. The ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain unresolved, with significant territorial and security issues at stake. With both leaders expressing interest in peace talks, the invitation presents a unique opportunity for diplomatic engagement. The global community continues to monitor the situation closely, as potential peace efforts unfold.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com