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Shifting Prospects for a Putin-Zelensky Meeting: A Complex Diplomatic landscape
The Initial Proposal and Saudi Arabia’s Role
In late 2023 and early 2024, Saudi Arabia emerged as a potential mediator for direct talks between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This initiative stemmed from Saudi Arabia’s desire to play a more prominent role in resolving the conflict and its existing relationships with both Russia and Ukraine.The proposed location for the meeting was Saudi Arabia, leveraging the Kingdom’s neutral stance and diplomatic infrastructure. the initial reports, as covered by De Telegraaf, indicated a willingness from both sides to explore the possibility of dialog.
Mounting Obstacles and Diminishing Prospects
Despite the initial optimism, significant obstacles quickly emerged, casting doubt on the feasibility of a Putin-Zelensky meeting. Key among these were essential disagreements over preconditions for talks. Ukraine has consistently stated that any negotiations must be based on the restoration of its territorial integrity, including the return of Crimea and all occupied territories. Russia, though, has repeatedly asserted its claim over these regions and demanded recognition of its territorial gains as a prerequisite for any meaningful dialogue.
Recent statements from key political figures, such as Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Germany, suggest a waning expectation of a meeting. As reported by NOT,Merz indicated he no longer believes a meeting will occur. This shift in outlook reflects a growing assessment that the conditions for productive talks are not currently in place.
Furthermore, the ongoing military situation on the ground continues to complicate matters.Ukraine’s counteroffensive, while achieving some gains, has faced significant challenges, and
