Putin-Trump Meeting Potentially Set for Baku, Says Russian Expert


Baku: A potential meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and newly-elected U.S. President Donald Trump could be held in Baku, according to Sergey Markov, Director of the Russian Institute of Political Studies and a prominent political scientist. In an interview with APA’s Moscow correspondent, Markov suggested that Baku is among several potential locations being considered for the high-stakes meeting.



According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Markov highlighted that Baku, along with Istanbul and Dubai, is considered a preferable location due to its status as a neutral city that offers security assurances for both leaders. The expert pointed out that Western intelligence agencies have allegedly demonized Putin, with various terrorist organizations reportedly preparing assassination attempts against him. As a result, Putin is cautious about traveling to distant locations, making Baku’s proximity and safety appealing. Furthermore, Baku has a history of hosting discussions between U.S. and Russian officials, ensuring solid communication and cooperation between the intelligence services of Russia, the U.S., and Azerbaijan to safeguard the officials.



Markov anticipates that the meeting may occur in the spring, though he tempers expectations regarding its outcomes. Contrary to widespread hopes that the meeting might lead to the cessation of military operations in Ukraine, Markov believes that achieving such a result is unlikely due to numerous challenges. Instead, he suggests that the meeting could yield critical decisions for global security, particularly concerning the prevention of a nuclear conflict between Moscow and Washington. Highlighting the American public’s desire to avoid a nuclear war with Russia, Markov notes that an agreement on security guarantees could be a primary focus of the discussions.



He further explained that while a halt to the hostilities in Ukraine is improbable without significant peace decisions, humanitarian restrictions could be established. For instance, Russia and Ukraine might agree to refrain from targeting energy infrastructure, which could alleviate the humanitarian crisis and foster a more favorable environment for resolving the conflict. Markov also predicts that a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine might be achievable in the fall, rather than in the spring.