Why Does Trump Need to Meet Putin About Ukraine? Can’t They Just Talk by Phone?

 People have been talking about how Trump plans to meet with Putin in person to talk about the war in Ukraine. Many ask why Trump doesn’t just call Putin. That’s a fair question.

A personal meeting gives the leaders a chance to have more private talks and pick up on things a phone call can’t offer. One-on-one talks between Trump and Putin could include sharing secret information. Some think Trump might be doing what Putin wants behind closed doors.

Trump may also want the meeting because it brings more attention. Meeting the Russian President would be big news. All eyes would be on him. He enjoys being in the spotlight. He might also believe only he can make a deal in person that no one else could.

Putin’s reason could be privacy. When leaders meet face-to-face, their talks often stay secret. In phone calls, aides, translators and security staff usually listen in. Calls are often recorded.

A private meeting is different. No one else is there. No record. Nothing written down. In 2018, after a private talk with Putin, Trump said he trusted him more than U.S. intelligence. That shocked many people.

That’s why some prefer private talks with no one else around.