Efforts intensify to bring an end to the Ukraine conflict: Putin advocates for a potentially volatile encounter between him and Selenskyy

The Ukraine conflict continues to be a significant global concern, as world leaders strive to find a peaceful resolution. The latest development in the diplomatic dance between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has seen both leaders expressing their readiness for a meeting, but with differing ideas about the location and format.

Putin has signaled his readiness for a meeting with Zelensky, insisting on holding the discussion in Moscow. However, Zelensky has ruled out a summit in Moscow, stating that he cannot travel to the city if his country is attacked every day. The potential venues for the peace talks include several cities, such as Budapest, Geneva, Vienna, Rome, Istanbul, Doha, and even Moscow.

The Coalition of the Willing, a group of 30 predominantly European heads of state and government, met to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine. In a bid to facilitate dialogue, the US under Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to bring Putin and Zelensky together for a personal meeting, including a possible meeting during the next year's Football World Cup and scheduled talks in Washington with European leaders.

Zelensky has called for a meeting with Putin to negotiate a ceasefire in the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Putin, on the other hand, believes that the deployment of Western soldiers would not be conducive to long-term peace. He has assured that Russia will "fully comply" with any possible agreement.

However, an obstacle in finding a venue for peace talks is the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Putin due to the Ukraine war. Switzerland and Austria have proposed granting Putin immunity for the duration of the talks, but no agreement has been reached yet.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy expects the West to be ready to deploy thousands of soldiers. The Coalition of the Willing has committed to sending soldiers or being present on the ground, at sea, or in the air, with 26 countries pledging their support.

Putin has threatened that if any troops appear in Ukraine during the fighting, they will be considered a legitimate target. Despite these tensions, both leaders continue to express their readiness for a meeting, provided it is well prepared.

As the diplomatic dance continues, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict.

Efforts intensify to bring an end to the Ukraine conflict: Putin advocates for a potentially volatile encounter between him and Selenskyy