Ending the war, is Trump desperate or will Putin’s accept conditions?

2 months ago
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Seizing the Opportunity: Trump’s Long-Awaited Meeting with Putin

US President Donald Trump has been anticipating a one-on-one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin for several months, viewing it as a chance to discuss ending the Ukraine conflict. According to The Atlantic, Trump seized this opportunity during their planned summit, where Putin is positioned to leverage the event to regain favor, though the publication argues he has already “won” by being photographed with Trump on US soil. Former national security adviser John Bolton highlighted Putin’s status as leader of a “rogue state” and Trump’s eagerness for a deal, potentially leading to concessions. Putin maintains maximal demands, insisting Russia retains occupied territories and Ukraine forgoes security guarantees against future attacks. These terms conflict with Ukraine’s and Europe’s positions. Trump, having campaigned on ending the war, is desperate for a cessation, raising fears he might accept Putin’s conditions, ignoring Ukraine’s wishes. He has suggested territorial exchanges without specifics, but Russia’s willingness to concede remains unclear. If Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejects any deal, Kyiv could be framed as the peace obstacle, prompting Trump’s criticism and jeopardizing Ukraine’s war efforts.

White House Defense and Progress Claims

The White House dismissed concerns that Putin could manipulate Trump, with press secretary Carolyn Leavitt criticizing foreign policy experts for merely attacking Trump. She claimed Trump has resolved seven global conflicts in six months and advanced significantly in ending the Russia-Ukraine war inherited from President Joe Biden.

US Role in Ukraine’s Security Guarantees

During a video conference with European leaders, Trump affirmed the US would contribute to security guarantees for Kyiv developed by a “coalition of the willing” led by France, Britain, and Germany. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrault noted Trump’s call for an unconditional ceasefire from Putin, with territorial talks requiring Zelensky’s presence. However, French President Emmanuel Macron revealed Trump’s opposition to NATO’s involvement in these guarantees, seeing it as a key argument for Russia, while insisting the US and allies participate. Trump doubts he can stop Russian shelling but aims for a truce. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte believes no Ukraine deal will occur during the Alaska meeting, emphasizing full talks must include Ukraine and Europeans on ceasefire, territories, and guarantees.

European Push for Trilateral Negotiations

Western countries, via the EU, proposed trilateral talks involving Russia, the US, and Ukraine in a European or Middle Eastern city, as reported by Reuters. This arose during an August 13 video conference with Trump, European leaders, and Zelensky. Trump anticipates a summit with Zelensky and Putin soon, contingent on a successful Alaska meeting. CBS News sources indicate the White House seeks a venue for this trilateral event by week’s end. The Trump-Putin meeting is set for August 15 in Anchorage, Alaska, focused on long-term Ukraine settlement, confirmed by both leaders’ announcements.

US Incentives: Offering Alaskan Mineral Development to Russia

The Daily Telegraph reports the US plans to offer Russia development of rare earth minerals in Alaska as an incentive to end the war, alongside lifting some aviation sanctions. This will be presented during the Alaska summit. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant mentioned discussing sanctions, urging European alignment. Earlier, the Kremlin proposed US extraction of rare earth metals in occupied Ukrainian territories.

Delays and Obstacles in Profiting from Ukrainian Minerals

Reuters analysis indicates the US and Ukraine may wait 10-20 years for revenues from their minerals agreement due to development timelines. Mining consultants note scarce economic viability data for Ukrainian deposits, war-damaged infrastructure, and investor reluctance amid insecurity. Expert Adam Webb doubts rapid mineral flows, favoring stable countries. The agreement covers 55 minerals, including EU-critical ones like rare earths, lithium, and nickel, but pre-war limitations persist. Seven of 24 potential projects are in Russian-occupied areas, involving lithium, graphite, rare earths, nickel, and manganese. Winter assessments confirmed most US-interested deposits are under Russian control or artillery range.

Russian Counterproposal on Rare Earth Extraction

NBC News, citing US officials, reveals Russia offered the US extraction of rare earth elements, including in occupied Ukrainian regions, during Saudi Arabia talks last week. Putin representatives proposed sharing development stakes, and Trump did not dismiss it. The White House has not committed but acknowledges potential. A former diplomat described it as Putin’s “retaliatory move,” exploiting Trump’s resource interest and Zelensky’s hesitation on the US-Ukraine deal. Zelensky prepares for February 28 talks with Trump, amid analysis of Putin’s proposal implications.

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