During negotiation courses at Harvard, we were taught: never begin negotiations if all the decision-makers are not sitting at the same table. Otherwise, those absent will always have the opportunity to derail any agreements reached.

Right now, Trump and Putin are meeting, and it is highly likely that their talks will continue until dawn, Yerevan time. The whole world is closely following this process. But the fact remains: regardless of what agreements Presidents Trump and Putin may reach, two major players are missing from the negotiation table — Europe and Ukraine.

The question arises: will they recognize the results of this meeting as a final decision?
In my view, that will be extremely difficult, since the key principle of negotiations applies in all cases.
But let’s wait and see.