Expert assesses how Zelenskyy-Putin-Trump meeting could unfold
Photo: US President Donald Trump with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Talks between the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, and the United States could turn into a real psychological showdown. The experience of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in dealing with his American counterpart Donald Trump may be a particular advantage, Mykhailo Samus, Director of the New Geopolitics Research Network, said in comments to RBC-Ukraine's YouTube channel.
Samus noted that a meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin is not a mandatory condition for a ceasefire.
He emphasized that Ukraine has already officially declared its readiness for an immediate cessation of hostilities, which is in line with its actual actions.
At the same time, according to Samus, Russia is attempting to manipulate the process by delaying decisions and setting various conditions that could drag out talks for weeks or even months - something Ukraine finds completely unacceptable.
"If we tie all decisions strictly to a Zelenskyy-Putin meeting, Putin can drag out," the expert said, adding that this it might be delayed for weeks, possibly even months.
"That’s entirely unacceptable for us," the expert added.
He stressed that instead of waiting for Russia to act, increased sanctions could be used as leverage.
"If that’s the case, then it’s time for sanctions. Let’s talk 500% tariffs - and let them prepare all they want," Samus noted.
The expert added that if Putin wants to meet with Zelenskyy, it could happen within a week.
"You simply set a time and hold the meeting. For example, announce a ceasefire, and then relevant delegations - whether high-level or low-level - can work out the technical details. There’s plenty to talk about," he explained.
Zelenskyy-Putin-Trump meeting
"If this meeting has to happen - okay, it's not a bad thing that Trump would be there, actually," said Samus.
The expert emphasized that President Zelenskyy can reject any deal that would be unfavorable for Ukraine. At the same time, he suggested it would be interesting to see how Putin would explain his position to Trump.
Samus noted there's a real chance that if Trump pushes for a ceasefire, Zelenskyy would quickly support it, while Putin might drag out the process, which could frustrate Trump.
"If Putin says, 'Give us four regions and then there will be a ceasefire', Zelenskyy would simply say no. And no matter how annoyed Trump might be, that doesn’t concern us, least of all Zelenskyy," Samus added.
"This could lead to a psychological showdown, where Zelenskyy is in a better position," he concluded.
Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul
In the early hours of May 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected a joint ceasefire proposal from Ukraine, the United States, and several European leaders, which called for a 30-day pause in hostilities.
Instead, Putin proposed holding talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15. However, despite the agreement, Putin, unlike Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, failed to show up in Türkiye.
On May 15, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States does not expect a breakthrough from the Ukraine-Russia negotiations.
However, he suggested that a direct meeting between the presidents of the US and Russia could potentially move the process forward.
Later, former President Donald Trump echoed that sentiment, saying no real progress in Ukraine talks should be expected until he meets with President Putin face-to-face.
