Former President Donald Trump has announced his intention to swiftly arrange meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping following his inauguration. Trump emphasized his desire to engage with both leaders, stating his team is already working on setting up the meetings. He expressed a preference to hold these discussions after January 20th. Specifically regarding the conflict in Ukraine, Trump stated, "President Putin wants to meet. We have to get that war over." He highlighted the immense human cost of the conflict, referencing the "staggering" casualties on both sides.
Former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands during a bilateral meeting at the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
The Kremlin has confirmed its willingness to engage in dialogue to resolve the conflict, echoing Trump's call for discussions. Gen. Keith Kellogg (Ret.), Trump's appointed special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, has expressed his ambition to achieve a resolution to the war within his first 100 days in office. He characterized the situation as "carnage" but expressed confidence in Trump's ability to bring about a swift end to hostilities. Kellogg has affirmed his commitment to a "fair" and "equitable" cease-fire agreement, although specifics regarding the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory remain undefined.
Former President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower in New York on September 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
While Trump has not outlined a detailed plan for ending the war, he has indicated potential support for Putin's demand to preclude Ukraine from joining NATO, expressing understanding for Putin's concerns about the alliance's expansion. However, both Moscow and Kyiv have stated their firm positions on Ukraine's NATO membership as non-negotiable. Regarding China, the timing of a meeting with President Xi remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether Xi intends to meet with Trump personally. While Trump reportedly extended an invitation to Xi for his inauguration, Beijing indicated it would send a high-level envoy instead, adhering to established protocol. In previous interactions, Xi had expressed a willingness to collaborate with the U.S. However, recent statements from Trump, including threats of tariffs on Chinese goods and considerations of military action regarding the Panama Canal, have introduced complexities into the relationship.
Former President Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
Trump's assertion about Chinese operation of the Panama Canal is inaccurate. The U.S. relinquished control of the canal to Panama in 1999. Trump's transition team has not responded to inquiries regarding concerns about potential military conflict with China in Panama.
Ships navigate the Panama Canal on December 28, 2024. (ARNULFO FRANCO/AFP via Getty Images)
