Trump may get involved in Donbas negotiations
US President Donald Trump could take part in talks to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine, said US Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker in an interview with The Ukrainian Week (Tyzhden).
Volker observed that the US president could get involved if Russia had a constructive stance. The format of such talks is not yet being discussed.
“If there are signs that [Russia] is serious and is prepared to really put an end to the conflict, I am certain that this is very important to president Trump. The format is less important that the content. But if a meeting would be helpful, we would certainly consider such an option. And if a new format is created that involves the US and someone else, for example the UK, France, or Germany, we are also prepared to support such meetings,” said Volker.
Volker stressed the need for Ukraine to have direct dialog with Russia.
“In order to reach an agreement, there needs to be direct contact between the Ukrainian and Russian governments. Of course, there is support from the US and partners through the Normandy Format. But there also needs to be direct contact,” the American diplomat remarked.
Previously it was reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had had a phone call with Vladimir Putin. Zelensky believes that common ground can be found with the Russian president. He noted that Ukraine’s western allies have advised against such contact.