Trump May Meet Putin Without Zelensky

US President Donald Trump's deadline for Russia to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire has passed without a truce, as the Kremlin continues its offensive. Trump has expressed willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin even if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not included, a reversal from earlier demands for Ukrainian participation. This shift has raised alarms among Zelensky and European leaders, who insist that Ukraine and the EU must be involved in any peace negotiations. Trump has threatened further oil tariffs on Russia but has not specified when these might be implemented, saying it depends on Putin's actions. Recent polls indicate a majority of Ukrainians now support a negotiated settlement over continued conflict, though skepticism about achieving lasting peace persists. The proposed Trump-Putin summit, possibly in the UAE, is viewed warily by Ukraine and its Western allies, who fear it could lead to concessions favoring Russia if Ukraine is excluded.