Russian Missile Strike in Sumy Kills 20 on Palm Sunday

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin amidst growing anxiety that any agreement may inadvertently reward Putin's position in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. In a recent call, the two leaders discussed the prospect of ending hostilities, with Trump framing the conversation as positive. However, his refusal to acknowledge Ukraine as an equal party in negotiations raises doubts about the U.S. commitment to its Eastern European allies, as noted by Sky News correspondents Mark Stone and Ivor Bennett.
Europeans are worried that any concessions made to Moscow could diminish NATO unity and embolden Putin. Analysts assert that Trump’s aim for a swift resolution might create a short-term political win for him but could weaken Ukraine’s sovereignty and security in the long term. In the conversation, Putin reiterated his non-negotiable stance on NATO expansion, highlighting unresolved "root causes" of the conflict that continue to shape Russia’s approach.
As Trump’s administration navigates this pivotal moment, the implications for Ukraine and U.S.-Russia relations remain uncertain.