Steve Witkoff, a U.S. envoy involved in Russia-Ukraine peace efforts, sparked controversy by claiming residents of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories support Russian rule, citing disputed referendums. This statement drew sharp criticism from Ukrainian officials, including calls for his removal from negotiations. While some Ukrainian lawmakers expressed concern, others emphasized that Witkoff’s views don’t necessarily reflect official U.S. policy. Despite the criticism, the ongoing peace talks, involving separate U.S. discussions with both Ukraine and Russia, continue to progress.
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Upcoming peace talks in Saudi Arabia will involve Ukrainian and US officials, following confirmation of simultaneous US-Russia talks. Zelensky urged Russia to cease its “unnecessary demands,” including halting military aid to Ukraine and forgoing NATO membership for Ukraine, as these only prolong the conflict. He rejected the idea of US ownership of Ukrainian nuclear power plants, though he is open to US investment and modernization. A ceasefire, according to Zelensky, must begin with a land and sea halt to Russian aggression.
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Following a Trump-Putin call, a purported “movement to peace” was announced, focusing on an energy and infrastructure ceasefire. However, Russia’s immediate resumption of attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, as evidenced by Zelenskyy’s report of drone strikes, contradicted this claim. Putin’s demands for an end to Western aid to Ukraine further complicated the situation, fueling European anxieties about the viability of any peace deal. This unease was evident at a major security conference in India, where the war’s impact and the role of potential intermediaries were heavily discussed.
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Following a U.S.-Russia meeting in Riyadh, Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak criticized the United States for ceding diplomatic leadership to Russia regarding potential Ukraine peace talks, arguing this weakens the U.S. position and undermines Ukraine’s interests. Podolyak expressed concern over a lack of Ukrainian involvement and briefing regarding the talks, questioning the efficacy of a “peace through strength” strategy. He further highlighted President Trump’s false claims blaming Ukraine for the war and suggesting Zelenskyy is a dictator, raising concerns about potential Russian interference in Ukrainian elections.
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Next week in Saudi Arabia, a Trump-appointed delegation, including Secretary of State Rubio and National Security Adviser Waltz, will meet with Russian officials to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. These talks, following Trump’s calls with Zelenskyy and Putin, aim to facilitate peace with Ukrainian involvement. While Ukraine’s role is a key concern, the potential agreement’s terms remain undefined, though NATO membership for Ukraine and full territorial reclamation seem unlikely. Further high-level meetings, including a Trump-Putin summit, are anticipated.
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Europe will not be part of Ukraine peace talks, a US envoy has reportedly stated. This assertion raises serious concerns about the potential for a peace agreement that prioritizes US interests over those of Ukraine and Europe, leaving Europe feeling sidelined and disregarded in a matter deeply impacting its security and future. The idea of excluding Europe from negotiations surrounding a conflict on its own doorstep seems not only illogical but also deeply damaging to the transatlantic alliance.
This decision smacks of unilateralism, a worrying trend in US foreign policy that risks alienating long-standing allies and undermining the very foundations of collective security.… Continue reading
Following a phone call between Presidents Trump and Putin, an agreement was reached to immediately begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. This unprecedented move, revealed on Truth Social, aims to prevent further loss of life and was reportedly met with surprise by European allies. US Secretary of Defense Hegseth simultaneously declared that restoring Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is unrealistic and that the US will not deploy troops to Ukraine, prompting concern among NATO members. These announcements signal a significant shift in US policy toward the conflict, placing greater responsibility for Ukraine’s defense on European nations.
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President Zelenskyy has stated his willingness to negotiate with Vladimir Putin under the condition that the US and Europe provide unwavering support and security guarantees to Ukraine. He emphasized the need for a clear understanding of post-war development and security assurances, potentially including a NATO pathway, before considering a potential ceasefire. However, Zelenskyy expressed reservations about freezing the conflict along the current frontlines due to the plight of occupied Ukrainian cities. His willingness to negotiate aligns with previous statements, while the Kremlin has expressed openness to talks despite reservations about Zelenskyy’s legitimacy.
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In response to media reports of a Turkish peace plan, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declared the proposed frontline freeze unacceptable to Russia. Peskov denied any discussion of such a plan between Putin and Erdoğan, stating a lack of information regarding its details. These reports, alongside similar proposals circulating in the US, suggest a potential strategy of freezing the conflict and delaying Ukrainian NATO membership. However, Russia’s firm rejection indicates significant obstacles to any such peace initiative.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood