Trump and Putin's Ukraine Talks Sideline Zelensky as Global Tensions Rise

Amid growing criticism, Trump engages in direct negotiations with Putin, excluding Ukraine, while Germany hesitates on military support.

Donald Trump has held discussions with Vladimir Putin about ending the Ukraine conflict, sidelining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from the negotiations.
Trump has criticized Zelensky, describing him as unnecessary to the peace talks and labeling him a 'dictator without elections.'
Germany's leadership remains divided on sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, with both major candidates in upcoming elections deeming such discussions premature.
Elon Musk has echoed Trump's criticism of Zelensky, alleging that the Ukrainian leader is unpopular domestically and accusing him of suppressing dissent.
The U.S. is pressuring Ukraine to finalize a deal granting access to its strategic mineral resources in exchange for continued American support.