International-News

Possible Trump-Putin summit: no concrete preparations, but political will

The Kremlin confirms readiness for a meeting between Trump and Putin, but specifies that the talks are still at a preliminary stage. Ukraine sees an opportunity for peace with Trump’s return to the White House

Abstract: A possible meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump still seems far off, but there is political will to initiate it, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, as reported by Russian media. Peskov explained that although several countries have offered themselves as a venue for a possible summit, it is ‘too early to talk about it’ as there are no concrete preparations. However, Kommersant reports that Washington and Moscow have started preliminary discussions on this possible meeting, without waiting for the official inauguration of the US president, scheduled for 20 January.

From the Ukrainian front, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed confidence in Trump’s return to the White House, considering it ‘an opportunity’ to end the conflict with Russia. In an interview with German broadcaster Ard, Sybiha reiterated the need for a ‘just peace’, but avoided commenting on Trump’s positions regarding a meeting with Putin. ‘Our strategic goal remains to force Russia to peace,’ the minister added, stressing that Russia has failed to achieve its strategic goals in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the European Commission announced a new EUR 148 million humanitarian funding package in support of Ukraine, with EUR 140 million earmarked for vulnerable populations in the east and south of the country. These funds will be used to provide food, shelter, drinking water, healthcare, and protection against harsh winter conditions. The remaining EUR 8 million will go to Moldova, to support Ukrainian refugees and host communities. With this new funding, the total amount of EU humanitarian aid to Ukraine reaches EUR 1.1 billion.

EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib is expected to visit Ukraine today for meetings with President Volodymyr Zelensky and other senior Ukrainian officials to discuss strengthening European efforts in humanitarian assistance.

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