Zelenskyand Putin question the swiftness of a potential encounter

In a significant development, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are expected to meet within the next two weeks, according to US President Donald Trump. The anticipated summit, scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, comes after three-and-a-half years of conflict between the two nations.

The meeting is hoped to bring an end to the ongoing attack on Ukraine by Russia. However, the road to this potential resolution has been fraught with tension and hostility. Russian propaganda has portrayed Zelensky in the darkest colors, labelling him a "toxic figure," a drug-addict, and a puppet of the West. Despite this, Zelensky, a 47-year-old successful comedian and TV producer before entering politics in 2019, has been calling for a meeting with Putin.

Moscow, however, has been cautious about the prospect of a meeting. Delegations at lower levels must first negotiate an agreement before the heads of state step in and sign the pre-agreed deal, according to Moscow. This approach is aimed at ensuring that any potential talks are prepared with utmost care.

Putin and Zelensky have met before, in 2019 in Paris, but the meeting did not go well. Putin stonewalled the Ukrainian and made no concessions during the meeting. Putin questions Zelensky's legitimacy, despite his own grip on power through unfree elections.

The Russian advance in eastern Ukraine is coming at a high cost in terms of casualties. Meanwhile, Ukraine is keeping the Russian fleet at bay in the Black Sea. The increasing number of drone strikes by Ukraine on Russian oil refineries, energy facilities, or railway lines in the Russian hinterland is a thorn in Putin's side.

Russia's ability to mobilize people and material is greater than Ukraine's. However, Putin would have to swallow his pride to attend the meeting, as he has built high barriers for such a meeting. The Kremlin leader sees his troops advancing in eastern Ukraine, but the ongoing conflict has shown no signs of a quick resolution.

Little progress has been made in the bilateral talks between Kyiv and Moscow that have been ongoing since May. The Russian mobilization numbers are falling, which could indicate a shift in Putin's strategy.

Vladimir Putin, who has been ruling his vast empire with increasing authoritarianism for a quarter of a century, will need to tread carefully to ensure a productive meeting. The upcoming summit promises to be a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the world will be watching closely.