US President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to organise a trilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, potentially taking place on 22 August. This follows Trump's recent discussions with European leaders and a previous meeting with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska. Context of the Proposal The discussions around this proposed summit reflect escalating diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump’s push for dialogue comes after a significant shaking of international relations stemming from the war that has persisted since February 2022. On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated via a post on X that he is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington on the immediate Monday following the announcement. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has noted that this trilateral summit may follow directly after Trump's discussions with Zelensky. Response from Russia As of now, the Russian government has not publicly confirmed participation in the proposed trilateral meeting. Reports highlighted that Trump had conveyed his desire for the meeting during a phone call involving Zelensky and European leaders, a sentiment supported by various sources. An unnamed source revealed that, according to conversations, Putin communicated his openness to engage with Zelensky. Past Meetings and Discussions Trump’s earlier meeting with Putin, held at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Alaska on 15 August, lasted nearly three hours and covered vital issues surrounding the Ukraine crisis. It included a one-on-one dialogue between the two leaders, as well as discussions that involved senior officials from both sides, including Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In public statements made post-meeting, both Trump and Putin underscored the importance of working towards a resolution for the ongoing conflict. Following their discussions, Trump stated, “Ukraine and Russia should get straight to negotiating a final peace deal,” hinting at a willingness to scale back demands for an immediate ceasefire. Security Guarantees and Future Meetings Trump has also indicated that a successful dialogue with Zelensky could lead to scheduling another meeting with Putin. The focus appears to be on establishing security guarantees for Ukraine and broader European stability. The situation remains fluid as the involved parties prepare for potential negotiations. The proposed meeting represents a significant diplomatic effort to facilitate dialogue between the conflict's primary actors. However, uncertainty remains over whether all parties will ultimately attend. Conclusion The developments indicate a potentially pivotal moment in international diplomatic relations concerning the Ukrainian conflict. As leaders prepare for the upcoming discussions, the global community watches closely, given the implications for European and global security. Further updates will emerge as talks advance and relationships between the involved parties evolve.