President Trump’s advisors are divided on how to respond to Russia’s peace overtures regarding Ukraine. While some, including Secretary Rubio and Envoy Kellogg, urge caution and a stronger stance against Moscow, others, notably Special Representative Witkoff, believe Putin genuinely seeks peace, based on recent meetings. This disagreement is intensified by a recent Russian missile strike, and Witkoff’s public comments suggesting territorial concessions by Ukraine are drawing criticism. Despite differing approaches, all advisors reportedly support ending the war.
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Amidst a record-breaking Russian drone attack on Ukraine, killing at least three and destroying infrastructure, Ukraine is nearing a rare earth minerals agreement with the U.S. This attack, the largest since the use of Iranian drones began, coincided with growing concerns over shifting U.S. foreign policy under President Trump, who has signaled a potential thaw in relations with Russia. President Zelenskyy expressed fears that a rapid resolution pushed by Trump could leave Ukraine vulnerable, while Trump’s remarks suggesting Ukraine initiated the conflict have caused alarm. A Trump-Putin meeting is reportedly being planned.
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Recent actions by the Trump administration indicate a growing rapprochement with Russia, prioritizing negotiations with Moscow over Kyiv to end the war in Ukraine. This approach, despite Russia showing signs of economic and military weakness, risks significant concessions from the US, including reduced aid to Ukraine and potential territorial concessions. Critics argue this strategy underestimates Putin’s ambitions and fails to leverage Russia’s vulnerabilities, potentially emboldening further aggression. The renewed US-Russia dialogue, while historically not unprecedented, raises concerns about the potential for future conflicts given Putin’s history of expansionism.
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John Q. Hosedrinker