Overview
- Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are advancing negotiations on Ukraine's future, sidelining both European leaders and Ukraine itself in the discussions.
- Macron met with Trump to advocate for European participation in peace talks and proposed deploying European troops to monitor a ceasefire in Ukraine.
- Trump's proposed deal involves U.S. access to Ukraine's rare minerals and concessions to Russia, including Ukraine's exclusion from NATO and territorial compromises.
- European leaders fear Trump's alignment with Russia undermines transatlantic security, prompting calls for greater European military autonomy and defense investment.
- Volodymyr Zelensky faces mounting challenges, with Trump labeling him a 'dictator' and pressuring Ukraine to make significant concessions in exchange for continued U.S. support.