Trump-Putin Talks Yield Little Progress on Ukraine Peace

President Donald Trump has engaged in separate meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in efforts to broker peace in the Ukraine war, but these talks have yet to yield a ceasefire or a concrete peace plan. Despite Trump's optimism and hopes expressed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff that a peace deal could be reached by the end of the year, significant obstacles remain, including Russia's rejection of European security guarantees for Ukraine and demands that Ukraine cede territory, which Kyiv refuses without a national referendum. Trump has been criticized for stalling and shifting blame onto Ukraine, while also showing deference to Putin, actions which have drawn rebuke from allies and commentators. European leaders continue to support Ukraine's position, emphasizing the need for genuine security guarantees and rejecting Moscow's terms. The Kremlin remains resistant to direct peace talks without conditions favorable to its interests, and the ongoing conflict continues to impact global markets and international relations. Overall, diplomatic efforts have made little progress, reflecting the complex and entrenched nature of the conflict.