Trump-Putin Ukraine Talks Stall Amid Rising US Frustration

President Donald Trump recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and has been attempting to arrange a peace meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to resolve the ongoing Ukraine war. However, momentum toward such a meeting has stalled, with Russian officials insisting that a clear agenda must be established before any summit, a condition frustrating the White House and leading Trump to express significant dissatisfaction with the lack of progress. Discussions among US and European officials continue regarding potential security guarantees for Ukraine, including the possibility of European forces operating under US command, though Russia strongly opposes any foreign military presence in Ukraine. Republican lawmakers show cautious support for Trump's efforts to engage Putin, but many warn against concessions that could legitimize Russian territorial claims or embolden other authoritarian powers, emphasizing the need to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Critics stress the risks that any peace deal might grant Putin strategic advantages, with concerns that excessive concessions could have broader geopolitical consequences, including emboldening China. Overall, while Trump remains involved and hopeful for a breakthrough, the path to peace remains uncertain amid diplomatic and strategic complexities.