Overview

• President Trump’s attempt to mediate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine remains stalled, with no agreement on direct talks or a ceasefire.
• In a two-hour call with Putin, Trump proposed Vatican-hosted negotiations, but Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed the venue as unsuitable.
• The UK and EU announced new sanctions targeting Russia’s oil fleet and financial networks, but the U.S. has declined to participate, creating a transatlantic divide.
• Trump has faced criticism for offering concessions to Putin, including sanctions relief and reduced U.S. military support to Ukraine, without securing tangible progress.
• A bipartisan Senate bill to impose secondary sanctions on entities aiding Russia has stalled, despite broad support from 80 co-sponsors.