Trump, Putin, and Zelensky to Meet?
Witkof Hopeful of 3 Way Meeting.
The war in Ukraine has dragged on now for years. Initially, when Russia invaded, they thought it was like when America invaded Iraq and arrived in the Iraqi capital double-quick. However, Russia did not enter Kyiv; its invasion force got bogged down on a major highway near Kyiv. With Western help and sheer Ukrainian grit, Russia was stopped in its tracks.
President Vlodymyr Zelensky was regarded as a new Churchill as he led his nation against Vlad "The Invader" Putin. Zelensky received all he wanted in Ukraine's war effort against Russia. However, Russia is the most powerful nation, and despite losing thousands of men and equipment, Russia has captured Eastern Ukraine. Russia now holds the Donbas and Crimea. Zelensky has launched operations to recover these lands, but to no avail.
Trump had very cordial relations with Putin. However, a lot has changed since Trump's first term in the White House. Putin is wanted as a war criminal. Russia, under sanctions, has become a pariah on the international stage. Ukraine is devastated by missiles and drones. Not only were Ukrainian soldiers dying on the battlefield, but many civilians too.
Trump said he could get this war wrapped up in an instant. However, it's not been that easy. Trump was angry with Zelensky and gave him a royal dressing down at the White House. Even attacking the casualness of Zelensky's dress. Trump is a businessman and does politics with that mindset. The US had given Ukraine financial backing as well as weapons. Trump was seeing no return for the US's investment in propping up Ukraine. Given the losses in this terrible war, this may seem a cold, calculating way, but like it or not, that's Trump.
Subsequently, Trump did a deal with Zelensky for the US to be present in Ukraine to mine rare earth materials. Eventually, Trump became frustrated with Putin's "couldn't care less attitude". Trump then threw his weight behind Zelensky. The relationship between Trump and Zelensky is not as close as it was when Biden was POTUS. However, Trump was backing Zelensky with weapons and money, and that's all Zelensky wanted.
Steve Witkof, Trump's envoy, has been to Moscow thrice. To see if Putin is willing to talk about peace. 3 times he has come away from Moscow empty-handed. And cocking a snoop at Trump, Putin has fired missiles and drones in heavy attacks on Kyiv.
Conversely, good news has come from Moscow. On Wednesday, Steve Witkof met Putin again. This time, things are looking up. There is a chance that Putin, Trump, and Zelensky will meet to discuss peace. Trump has now said it is a possibility. A spokesperson for the Kremlin said it could happen.
Before Witkof went to Moscow, things were tense between Moscow and Washington. Prime Minister Medvedev said Trump's threats to Russia with deadlines and sanctions didn't impress him. He reminded Trump that Russia was not Iran and Israel. Or come to that, any other nation the US could push around. Medvedev said Russia is a nuclear power.
In response, Trump sent 3 submarines armed with nuclear missiles. This was not the Cuban Missile Crisis, but things remain tense.
However, this news coming out of Washington and Moscow could be the breakthrough. Zelensky on X said he welcomed the news and looked forward to talks. When the rumour and possibility of talks are revealed, people feel optimistic. No one will feel more optimistic than the people involved in the conflict. Yes, the political leaders (maybe?), but most especially the armed forces and civilians.
So here's a prayer offered for the peace of Ukraine and Russia. That meaningful peace will happen with an outcome for both sides that suits all. I could have ended this article with negativity, but I'll finish on an optimistic note. And why not? By God in this world today, we could all do with some optimism, however big or small.
About the Creator
Nicholas Bishop
I am a freelance writer currently writing for Blasting News and HubPages. I mainly write about politics. But have and will cover all subjects when the need arises.
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Rare Earths: Small Minerals, Massive Power Rare earth elements may sound obscure, but they sit at the heart of modern life. From smartphones and electric vehicles to fighter jets and missile systems, these minerals are essential to both civilian technology and national defense. That reality is why the United States is now pushing for quicker, more decisive action to reduce its dependence on China for rare earth supplies. For years, Washington talked about diversification. Now, it wants speed. The shift reflects growing concern that reliance on a geopolitical rival for critical materials is no longer sustainable in an era of strategic competition. Why China’s Dominance Worries Washington China controls roughly 60–70% of global rare earth mining and an even larger share of processing and refining. Even when rare earths are mined elsewhere, they are often shipped to China for processing. This gives Beijing enormous leverage over global supply chains. 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