Zelensky's presence could hinder negotiations with Putin, says Trump

European officials initially sought direct representation at the Alaska meeting, proposing NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte or another European leader, as well as Zelensky, according to The Wall Street Journal.

After calls from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Trump, the Europeans dropped this demand, while publicly calling on Zelensky to participate in any talks with Putin. Trump expressed concern that Zelensky's presence at the outset could derail the talks.

Trump agreed that after meeting with Putin, he would first inform Zelensky and then the European leaders who participated in Wednesday's meeting, according to German officials who organized the conference.

“At the moment, Trump really has the situation under control. He is the one negotiating with Putin, and he wants to make a deal,” said Fiona Hill, who advised Trump on Russia during his first term and was present at his last meeting with the Russian president in 2019.

Trump has repeatedly said that he wants to stop the killing on the battlefield, and his actions are often motivated by this desire.

"What Trump doesn't understand is that Putin doesn't feel the same empathy for the loss of life as he does: Putin wants to achieve maximum goals to preserve his legacy as Vladimir the Great and is willing to participate in mass killings, while Trump wants to end the war and win the Nobel Peace Prize," Hill said.

Photo: tasnimnews.com.