• U.S. and Russian officials confirm preparations for a possible Trump-Putin summit.
• Efforts to normalize relations highlight a departure from Western isolation of Russia.
• No Ukrainian representatives participated in recent U.S.-Russia talks, raising concerns.
• The U.S. has introduced a draft UN resolution calling for peace in Ukraine.
• European allies express worries over being sidelined in negotiations.

Preparations are actively underway for a face-to-face meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to remarks by Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. This development marks a significant pivot from the Western policy aimed at isolating Moscow due to its ongoing war in Ukraine. In an interview with state media, Ryabkov articulated the necessity of starting to “move toward normalizing relations between our countries,” emphasizing the need to tackle urgent global challenges, notably including the conflict in Ukraine. However, he acknowledged that the discussions about a potential summit are still in the preliminary stages, with “the most intensive preparatory work” required before any meeting can materialize. He also mentioned that bilateral meetings between U.S. and Russian envoys could occur in the coming weeks to facilitate further high-level discussions.

This announcement follows a recent high-level meeting in Saudi Arabia, during which U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov engaged in discussions aimed at addressing the Ukraine crisis and enhancing diplomatic ties. During this meeting, both sides tentatively agreed to pursue new avenues for diplomatic and economic collaboration, as well as to restore staffing levels at their respective embassies—a move that Rubio regarded as “the beginning of a conversation” that remains just a starting point. The U.S. has suggested that Ukraine may need to reconsider its aspirations concerning NATO membership and ceding some of the territories currently held by Russia, which has brought additional concerns from Ukrainian authorities. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would not accept any outcomes from talks they were not a part of, highlighting apprehensions that European allies are also being marginalized in these discussions.

As the talks progress amidst a backdrop of ongoing hostilities, the U.S. has proposed a draft resolution to the United Nations aimed at denouncing the war in Ukraine and promoting a peaceful resolution. This U.S. draft, which recognizes the “tragic loss of life throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict” and calls for a lasting peace, stands in contrast to more stringent proposals from European nations calling for an immediate withdrawal of Russian forces. The U.N. General Assembly is expected to vote on these resolutions shortly, coinciding with the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Notably absent from the Saudi discussions were any Ukrainian officials, who have continued to fight against significant territorial losses to advancing Russian troops. The European Union and Ukraine have signaled their intentions to maintain a firm stance against Russian aggression, asserting that crucial decisions regarding Ukraine's future must actively involve Kyiv. This was echoed in recent protests in London where demonstrators criticized Trump and called for enhanced support for Ukraine, underlining the growing international pressure on leaders to prioritize Ukrainian input in future negotiations.

As U.S. and Russian representatives strive to find a pathway to diplomatic engagement, the evolving international landscape underscores both the complexities and the precarious nature of peace efforts in a region embroiled in conflict. For continued updates on this developing story, click here to read more on VOA News, LA Times, and CBS News.