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A potential shift in global diplomacy is unfolding as Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin engage in discussions aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly objected to being excluded from these conversations, emphasizing that peace cannot be brokered without Ukraine at the table.
Zelensky issued a public warning to world leaders, urging them not to trust Putin’s claim of willingness to end the war. He also reaffirmed that Ukraine must negotiate from a position of strength, with NATO membership and increased defense investments as key security guarantees.
The Trump-Putin talks, which are reportedly gaining traction, have raised concerns across Kyiv and European capitals. Trump’s administration is pursuing a new foreign policy approach, one that shifts U.S. priorities away from European security and toward a more isolationist stance.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled that future military aid to Ukraine may depend on its willingness to participate in peace talks with Russia. He suggested that Trump would use a mix of incentives and pressure to push for a deal, a move that could redefine America’s role in the conflict.
Meanwhile, NATO leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss how to respond to the evolving U.S. position and what it means for the alliance’s defense strategy.
In a surprising turn, Trump has indicated that Saudi Arabia is being considered as a host for the upcoming peace talks with Putin. While past U.S.-Russia summits have typically been held in Europe, where NATO and Ukraine maintain strong ties, this shift underscores Trump’s desire to reshape diplomatic norms.
The choice of Saudi Arabia is seen as a strategic move—one that distances the talks from Europe’s influence and positions the Gulf nation as a key mediator in global conflicts.
As peace discussions continue, Ukraine faces growing uncertainty. With Trump and Putin steering the conversation, and European leaders scrambling to form a unified stance, Zelensky’s calls for inclusion may shape the next phase of the war.
