Overview

• U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a significant phone call discussing potential peace talks for the Ukraine conflict, marking their first confirmed contact during Trump's second term.
• The U.S. administration proposed that Ukraine abandon its NATO membership aspirations and accept territorial losses as part of a peace deal, sparking criticism from European NATO partners.
• European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, warned against a 'dictated peace' that undermines Ukraine's sovereignty and stressed the importance of involving Ukraine and European nations in negotiations.
• Russia welcomed the initiative, preparing a delegation for talks and expressing openness to dialogue, while showing skepticism toward European participation, citing past failures of agreements like the Minsk Accords.
• The talks, potentially to be held in Saudi Arabia, have drawn global attention, with NATO and other nations emphasizing the need for a sustainable and fair resolution that ensures Ukraine's independence and security.