Putin's potential resistance to a Ukraine peace agreement, as per Trump's assertions, following their discussions.
The international community is focused on recent developments in peace talks involving President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The primary objective is to arrange a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskiy to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
President Trump has expressed hope for an immediate direct meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders, but Putin and his officials have yet to commit to it. Trump stated on August 26, 2025, "Maybe they will, maybe they won't," regarding the potential meeting and indicated he might take action within one to two weeks if the meeting does not happen.
U.S. diplomatic efforts continue, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump's envoy Keith Kellogg meeting with Zelenskiy in Kyiv to discuss future security guarantees for Ukraine that are concrete and legally binding. However, Putin has historically refused to meet Zelenskiy during the conflict, considering him an unequal negotiating partner.
The U.S. role is to bring Putin and Zelenskiy together, aiming for a negotiated settlement to end the 3.5-year war, with the understanding that both sides need to give and take for an agreement to succeed. Zelenskiy’s ongoing willingness to engage and U.S. diplomatic backing, including concrete security guarantees, are key focuses of the current efforts.
The path to peace remains uncertain, and Zelenskiy may have to make painful compromises to end the war. There is a struggle going on between Ukraine and the Europeans on one side, and the Russians on the other, not to present themselves to Trump as the obstacle to his peace process. All parties are tiptoeing around Trump to avoid any blame.
Meanwhile, Russia launched 270 drones and 10 missiles in an overnight attack on Ukraine, targeting energy facilities in the Poltava region. The conflict continues amid ongoing military actions and deep mistrust. The U.S. is actively pushing for binding security guarantees and a durable peace agreement involving concessions from both sides.
In addition, NATO military leaders are expected to meet on Wednesday to discuss Ukraine, with U.S. General Dan Caine attending the meeting virtually. Trump has previously threatened more sanctions on Russia and nations buying its oil if Putin does not make peace. However, Trump has ruled out American troops on the ground in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed the White House talks as a "major step forward" towards ending the war, but Trump did not provide specifics about security guarantees for Kyiv under any post-war settlement. Putin has shown no sign of backing down from demands for territory, including land not under Russia’s military control, following his summit with Trump last Friday in Alaska.
Russia could potentially drag out the war while trying to deflect US pressure with a protracted peace negotiation, according to Neil Melvin, director of International Security at the Royal United Services Institute think-tank. Despite the challenges, hopes remain high for a Putin-Zelenskiy meeting brokered by Trump to lay groundwork for peace.
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