US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have declined Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to hold a trilateral summit in Moscow to address the Russia-Ukraine war.
According to commentator Vitaly Portnikov, Putin’s initiative highlights his approach to peace efforts. A summit in Moscow would not benefit either the US or Ukraine, as diplomatic discussions over such conflicts usually take place on neutral ground.
Previous negotiations involving Russia and Ukraine, including those in Istanbul, point to the lack of real intent for a substantive summit. The suggestion of meeting in Moscow is seen more as a diplomatic tactic to strengthen Russia’s global position, rather than a path to peace.
Trump previously advocated for an unconditional ceasefire, but he later shifted away from this idea. The current focus in talks is on crafting a comprehensive peace agreement, even as military actions continue, reflecting Putin’s preference for continuing hostilities alongside negotiations.
Putin seeks diplomatic victories and uses summit proposals to legitimize his position. Portnikov believes that new such proposals from Moscow are likely, aimed at gaining international advantage. There are no guarantees that Trump will not reconsider and visit Moscow in the future.
European leaders urge caution in relations with Russia, as Ukraine requires a reliable security framework. The likelihood of a successful summit between Zelensky and Putin remains low, given Moscow’s apparent unwillingness to reach genuine peace agreements.
