US President Donald Trump has proposed a summit between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, sparking controversy over the potential meeting’s feasibility.
The plan, initially met with skepticism by European leaders, could help forge an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. However, several obstacles hinder its progress.
Many analysts doubt that Putin will agree to meet Zelenskyy, given the ongoing allegations of war crimes against him. Putin faces an ICC arrest warrant for allegedly deporting Ukrainian children, which complicates potential locations for a summit.
Switzerland and Austria have been mentioned as possible venues, but their involvement depends on the Kremlin’s willingness to waive the arrest warrant. Hungary, with its parliament’s vote to quit the ICC, may also be considered.
However, concerns remain about Putin’s travel safety, as countries that are part of the ICC might not allow him to set foot without risk of arrest.
Other nations, like Turkey and Qatar, have hosted past summits between Ukraine and Russia. Some experts suggest a summit could take place at the end of August in Saudi Arabia or another neutral location.
The meeting’s feasibility is also being questioned due to Putin’s long-standing refusal to meet Zelenskyy until now. Experts believe that such a meeting would be “pointless” under current circumstances, with Putin requiring Ukraine’s acceptance of Russia’s terms for ending the war.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/world/ukraine/putin-zelenskyy-meeting-location-trump-ukraine-war-ceasefire-rcna225781