Trump Approval Surges Amid Russia-Ukraine Peace Summit

President Donald Trump has positioned himself as a pivotal figure in the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing a more instinct-driven approach and advocating for direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, a stance that contrasts with the EU and Ukrainian leaders who seek continued Western involvement. Trump's recent summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska garnered significant approval from American voters, including notable gains among African American and Hispanic communities, signaling broad support for his leadership style. Despite criticism from Democrats and some U.S. figures accusing him of appeasement toward Russia, Trump remains focused on reducing American entanglement in the conflict and has criticized Ukraine’s President Zelensky for prolonging the war. European leaders and Zelensky, who recently met with Trump in Washington, are attempting to influence U.S. policy to maintain sanctions and military support, but Trump appears to be steering the narrative and policy more toward negotiations aligned with Moscow’s interests. Some analysts express concern that Trump’s alignment with Putin’s agenda risks conceding Ukraine to Russian influence, diverging from traditional U.S. and European commitments to Ukrainian sovereignty. Meanwhile, Trump’s use of the National Guard in U.S. cities is defended as a measure to restore safety amidst rising crime, despite accusations from political opponents labeling his actions as racially motivated.