Volker’s answer was addressed to whether until the end of the year a meeting of the leaders of Ukraine and the aggressor country of Russia and whether the American president will take part in it.
The diplomat explained that such a meeting would probably not take place, because it requires Putin to recognize Ukraine by an independent country, and Zelensky himself – a legitimate leader. And the head of the Kremlin “created a false narrative that Ukraine is unreal, Zelensky is illegitimen.” Accordingly, even the potential presence of Trump is unlikely to affect his decision.
At the same time, Walker suggested that the de facto truce will come at some point. He predicts that this can happen before the end of this or next year, but “without a meeting and without a peace treaty” and with a continuation of work on containing possible Russian attacks in the future.
Also, the former US special representative commented on Trump's statement that Zelensky will have to conclude a peace agreement, which involves territorial concessions from Ukraine, in particular in relation to territories that are not under the control of the Russian Federation. Walker believes that this is the problem with the position of President Trump. The head of the White House says that Ukraine should make concessions, while not providing any pressure on Putin. According to the diplomat, to offer Ukraine to give territories that Putin could not win – “it is a lot to demand from Ukrainians.”
Walker noted that a temporary truce on the front line without recognizing the “legality” of the Russian occupation is possible, because both Ukraine and the Russian Federation need a break. “But nothing more is unrealistic,” he summed up.
Context
On August 25, Trump said that there may be “very serious consequences” if the aggressor country does not sit at the negotiating table with Ukraine, and promised to “intervene” if there is no progress in two weeks. The next day, Trump threatened the Russian Economic War if she refuses negotiations with Ukraine.
On September 3, during a press conference after a visit to China, Putin said that He does not see the point In a meeting with Zelensky, but does not exclude its holding, but in Moscow. The Foreign Minister Andrei Sibiga called such conditions “obviously unacceptable” and emphasized that at least seven countries Ready to accept the meeting. In response, Zelensky invited Putin In Kyiv.
On the night of September 7, the Russian Federation inflicted on Ukraine the most massive air blow from the beginning of the war. The American Ministry of Finance said after that that the United States is ready to increase pressure on Russia, but the support of European partners is required. If the United States and the EU introduce more sanctions and secondary tariffs for countries buying Russian oil, the Russian economy will completely collapse, said the head of the Scott's Department.
On the same day, Trump announced that he was ready for the second stage of sanctions against Russia.
September 14 Trump suggested What maybe he will have to intervene in the negotiations of the partiesbecause “Zelensky and Putin hate each other so much that they can hardly talk.” He admitted that the war, which he was going to quickly complete, turned out to be difficult for him. The head of the White House criticized insufficient pressure on the Russian Federation from Europein particular due to the purchase of Russian energy resources. He also first publicly called Russia an aggressor.
