Trump Shifts Toward Putin in Ukraine Peace Talks Amid NATO Scramble

President Trump has actively pursued peace talks to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House and engaging in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin about a potential trilateral meeting to negotiate a ceasefire. Following a summit in Alaska, Trump signaled a shift toward seeking a permanent peace deal, aligning more closely with Russia's position, which prompted European leaders to join Zelensky in Washington to clarify and strengthen Ukraine's negotiating stance, particularly regarding security guarantees that would not include NATO membership. Despite these diplomatic efforts, Russia continued aggressive missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, provoking NATO to scramble warplanes in defense, raising doubts about Putin's sincerity in committing to peace talks. The geopolitical struggle over Ukraine is deeply intertwined with its vast mineral wealth, with both the US and Russia seeking to secure control over critical resources amid broader imperialist rivalries and the global balance of power. While Trump's approach aims to split Russia from China and renegotiate global hegemonic dynamics, Ukraine and its allies remain cautious, concerned about ongoing violence and the terms of any potential agreement. This complex situation highlights the ongoing tensions between diplomatic negotiations and military realities in the Ukraine conflict.