On Monday at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and seven European leaders to tackle the Ukraine crisis. It came after last week’s Trump–Putin meeting in Alaska ended without a deal. So, what went down? 🤔
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Agrees Twice: Washington said it’ll be part of any future security guarantees for Ukraine and will only discuss territorial issues directly with Putin. 🤝
- Talks with Putin?: President Putin softened his stance on meeting Zelenskyy one-on-one—hinting at real, albeit cautious, dialogue. 📞
- Shelling Continues: Russia didn’t hit pause on attacks, causing more than 10 Ukrainian casualties. A reminder that the conflict is far from over. ⚔️
- Allies Stick Together: Despite ups and downs, Ukraine and Europe still see the U.S. as a key partner—no one wants to walk away now. 🌐
Why No Major Breakthrough?
Both experts agree: it’s progress, but not a game-changer. The focus has shifted from "ceasefire first, or more sanctions" to exploring a leaders summit. Still, Russia hasn’t said "yes" or "no" to a high-level trilateral meeting—so the ball’s in Ukraine’s court to show flexibility.
Territory: The Toughest Issue
The biggest sticking point? Land swaps. Moscow wants to trade parts of Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk in exchange for Luhansk and Donetsk regions, but Kyiv sees that as a non-starter. Any concession here could undermine Zelenskyy’s leadership and Europe’s core values.
Europe’s Role
European leaders turned up in force to pressure Washington and back Ukraine. They fear a U.S.–Russian deal that sidelines Kiev. At the same time, Europe has to carry much of the security guarantee costs—meaning it’s both a player and a guarantor in these talks.
What’s Next?
Experts say expect more interaction but don’t hold your breath for an immediate ceasefire. Temporary truces are possible, but a lasting peace deal will need multiple rounds of talks and real concessions on fundamental issues. 🇪🇺🇺🇸🇺🇦
Stay tuned as the story unfolds—this marathon isn’t over yet.
Reference(s):
Q&A: Why Ukraine talks fell short of a breakthrough, but still matter
cgtn.com
