Overview

• President Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine would begin ceasefire negotiations following a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• Putin reiterated Russia's interest in exploring a vague memorandum on a potential peace agreement, but no concrete terms were established.
• Russia launched its largest drone strike of the war just before the Trump-Putin call, signaling continued military escalation rather than de-escalation.
• Trump's evolving rhetoric, from promises of a 24-hour resolution to conditional negotiations, has raised concerns about the U.S.'s long-term commitment to Ukraine's defense.
• Proposals linking peace efforts to reduced sanctions and trade deals for Russia have drawn criticism for potentially undermining Ukrainian sovereignty and Western unity.