CNN has reported that a summit between Presidents Trump and Putin is now being expedited following the heated dispute with Zelensky, which resulted in his removal from the White House before a scheduled lunch on Friday.
Last month, talks in Riyadh aimed at fully restoring US-Russia relations concluded positively between the delegations led by Rubio and Lavrov. This was followed by a meeting in Istanbul, leading to the reopening of embassies after diplomatic staff had been expelled under the Biden administration.
In a recent report, CNN states, “Whether planned or not, Moscow – which responded enthusiastically to the White House altercation – is now looking forward to ongoing discussions aimed at rebuilding the US-Russia relationship, possibly even accelerating in the coming weeks.”
Privately, there is talk of expediting the Trump-Putin summit, which has always been on the agenda. There is also renewed optimism in Moscow that economic deals between the US and Russia will take precedence over negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine, given the strained relations between Zelensky and Trump.
US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has cautioned Zelensky against testing American patience and suggested that Zelensky is unwilling to consider a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. Despite this, Zelensky emphasizes the importance of US support in salvaging the relationship.
The Biden administration had previously expressed frustration with Zelensky’s perceived lack of gratitude for US assistance in the war effort. Zelensky, however, maintains that strong security guarantees are essential for achieving peace in the region.
Overall, the situation suggests a complex interplay of diplomatic maneuvering and geopolitical tensions as key players navigate the path towards potential reconciliation and economic cooperation.