Peace Efforts in Ukraine Face New Challenges

The Minsk agreements, intended to broker peace between Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists, ultimately failed due to repeated ceasefire breaches, paving the way for a full-scale Russian invasion. Meanwhile, the UK is hosting a meeting to discuss a Western-led peacekeeping force for Ukraine, despite Russia's opposition to NATO presence. In a separate development, the White House reports that Trump and Putin have agreed on a temporary ceasefire concerning Ukrainian energy infrastructure, although full cessation of hostilities remains elusive. A significant prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine has taken place, showcasing efforts to build trust towards peace. However, Trump's pursuit of peace is complicated by his strained relationships with European allies, as the EU excludes the US from its defense spending plan, favoring Asian partners. Despite these challenges, Trump continues to seek a broader peace in Ukraine, even as his approach raises questions about American reliability.