Kremlin eyes easter summit: Putin-Trump talks in limelight
The Moscow Times reported on Wednesday, citing representatives of the Russian authorities, that the Kremlin is considering arranging a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in April or May. Easter is being discussed as the most likely time.
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 do you need to know?
- The Kremlin plans a meeting between the presidents of Russia and the United States, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, for April or May, with a preference for Easter, according to Russian media.
- 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 organising a meeting between the presidents of Russia and the United States. Sources close to the Moscow Times admit that the most probable date is Easter, which Western and Eastern churches celebrate on 20 April this year.
Will Putin meet Trump around Easter?
Media sources indicate that Saudi Arabia is the most likely location for the meeting. The meeting could align with Donald Trump's planned visit to the region. The Kremlin wants the talks to cover not only the war in Ukraine but also bilateral issues, such as lifting sanctions and arms control.
The Kremlin wants to delay the meeting as much as possible, hoping to obtain concessions from Washington in exchange for halting military actions. Portal sources say "time plays in favour of the Kremlin." In addition to the war in Ukraine, the talks would also cover topics such as lifting sanctions, American investments in Russian projects, and arms control.
The Kremlin initially planned more extended preparations for the meeting, but the changing political situation and pressure from European partners forced them to speed up their actions.
If the situation prolongs, Washington could lose interest, as domestic opposition to engagement with Moscow is already increasing in the U.S., while European partners continue to apply pressure. Additionally, Trump will have to contend with an even greater challenge—managing relations with China, according to a Russian source familiar with the negotiations.
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 talk with Putin.
