Kremlin eyes Easter Summit: Potential Putin-Trump meeting
The Moscow Times reported on Wednesday that the Kremlin is considering organizing a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in April or May, citing representatives of the Russian authorities. Easter time is being suggested as the most opportune.
Much of the information shared by Russian media and authorities is likely untrue. Such reports may be part of an information war by the Russian Federation.
What you need to know
- According to Russian media, the Kremlin plans a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, the presidents of Russia and the United States, for April or May, with a preference for Easter time.
- Saudi Arabia is the most likely location for the meeting, although other locations in the Middle East are being considered.
- The talks are expected to cover not only the war in Ukraine but also lifting sanctions and American investments in Russia.
According to media reports, the Kremlin is working intensively on organizing a meeting between the presidents of Russia and the United States. Sources close to The Moscow Times reveal that the most probable date is Easter, which Western and Eastern churches celebrate on April 28 this year.
Will Putin meet Trump around Easter?
Media sources indicate that Saudi Arabia is the most likely meeting place. The meeting could align with Donald Trump's planned visit to the region. The Kremlin wants the talks to cover not just the war in Ukraine but also bilateral issues, such as lifting sanctions and arms control.
The Kremlin would like to delay the meeting as much as possible — hoping to obtain concessions from Washington in exchange for halting military actions. According to portal sources, "time plays in favour of the Kremlin," and the talks would cover topics such as lifting sanctions, American investments in Russian projects, and arms control, in addition to the war in Ukraine.
The Kremlin initially planned to prepare longer for the meeting, but the changing political situation and pressure from European partners forced them to speed up their actions.
If this drags on too long, Washington might lose interest. Domestic opposition to contacts with Moscow is already growing in the US, and European partners are pressing. Moreover, a Russian source close to the negotiations said Trump will face an even greater challenge: relations with China.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Americans would contact Russia regarding a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. Kyiv agreed to this proposal during Tuesday's talks in Jeddah. On Thursday, the US envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is expected to commence negotiations with Putin.
