Following a lengthy summit with Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump declared their talks “productive”. Still, it revealed no concrete deal to end the war in Ukraine. Instead, Trump shifted the burden squarely onto Kyiv, publicly urging President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to “make a deal.”
The two leaders remained tight-lipped about the specifics of their extended conversation. This move is likely to deepen anxiety in Kyiv and European capitals. Allies fear a potential agreement could be struck that sidelines their interests.
Trump stated that only “one or two pretty significant items” remain unresolved, but insisted, “it’s really up to President Zelenskiy to get it done.”
Critics were quick to slam the outcome, arguing that Putin secured a major propaganda victory simply by meeting on U.S. soil without offering any real concessions, such as a ceasefire.
Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen summarized the sentiment, posting, “Putin got a meeting on US soil, Trump got flattered by Putin. Advantage Putin.”
Adding to these concerns, Trump said he would hold off on implementing new sanctions against Russia’s trading partners for now. While he plans to speak with Zelenskiy, his public pressure on the Ukrainian leader to concede has set a tense and uncertain stage for what comes next.
