Archive · 21 Aug 2025
Ex-Official: Putin-Zelensky Meeting Unlikely Soon
A former US official thinks a meeting between Putin and Zelensky is unlikely soon, even though the White House says it's planned.
He says the US and Europe disagree on how to keep Ukraine safe.
Russia may only agree to meet if Zelensky gives in to their demands.
The official also believes Russia wants to keep fighting to take more land.
There are disagreements about the order of a ceasefire and peace agreement, with Russia possibly not wanting to end the war.
Former US State Department official doubts a near-future Putin-Zelensky meeting.
The White House announced arrangements for a meeting between Putin and Zelensky.
Salvo believes there's a substantial gap between European and US visions for Ukraine's security.
Moscow may insist on Zelensky capitulating to its demands before a meeting.
Russia might prefer continuing the war to gain more territory.
- Who
- Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky, David Salvo.
- What
- Assessment of potential for a Putin-Zelensky meeting.
- When
- Near future.
- Where
- N/A
- Why
- To assess the likelihood of a meeting amid ongoing conflict and differing perspectives.
Optimistic View
Pessimistic View
Meeting Likelihood
Optimistic View
White House: Arrangements for meeting underway
Pessimistic View
Salvo: Meeting possibility is extremely low
Security Guarantees for Ukraine
Optimistic View
Unspecified, likely shared vision with Russia.
Pessimistic View
Europe, Ukraine: Differing visions for security guarantees.
- Key Figure
- David Salvo, Former Senior Policy Advisor at US State Department
- Main Focus
- Prospects of Putin-Zelensky meeting
- Salvo's Assessment
- Extremely low possibility
- White House Position
- Arranging a meeting between the two leaders
- Main Impediment
- Significant differences in security guarantees
Sources
Explained: How Europe Tried To Speak Trump
'Let’s call him right now...': JD Vance reveals what exactly happened when Trump dialled 'soft-spoken' Putin during meeting with Zelensky
Borrowed Time
‘Modi has the political courage Europe lacks’: Entrepreneur says EU lacks will, courage, shame for giving in to Trump’s demands
How European leaders studied Trump and learned to speak his language
