There’s no deal until there’s a deal. That phrase echoed through diplomatic circles after Donald Trump’s sudden shift in stance on Ukraine. The president now openly supports Vladimir Putin’s approach, drawing concern from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Just a day ago, Zelenskyy stood at the White House, urgently pleading for continued U.S. support.
Despite hopes for peace, Russia continues to strike Ukrainian cities. A recent missile attack claimed at least ten lives. These relentless assaults highlight Moscow’s unchanged ambition. Putin seems unwilling to accept peace unless it favors his aggressive goals. Trump’s supporters say his leader-to-leader style could bring results. Critics remain skeptical. Trump praised his meeting with Putin, even suggesting a trilateral meeting that would include Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy didn’t dismiss the idea outright. However, he stressed that peace must begin with a ceasefire. During his remarks, he emotionally recalled recent attacks that killed civilians, including a one-year-old child. While Trump once demanded a ceasefire before talks, that no longer appears to be his stance. His allies, including special envoy Steve Witkoff, confirmed the shift. Reports indicate Trump now sees a negotiated settlement as the only viable path forward.
There’s no deal until there’s a deal, and Trump knows this. He believes his unconventional diplomacy might succeed where traditional efforts have failed. He even called Putin during the session, which surprised officials. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced disappointment, noting that Russia refuses even a temporary ceasefire. Meanwhile, General Wesley Clark warned that if Ukraine loses Donbas, Kyiv could fall quickly.
Putin has made no concessions. Every day without a ceasefire allows him to strengthen his grip on occupied territories. Ukraine’s allies remain firm—security guarantees and troop deployments may be necessary. Despite that, Trump remains optimistic. He claimed the talks were “a very good early step.” Zelenskyy echoed cautious hope, calling the meeting “constructive.”
Still, with Putin viewing Zelenskyy as illegitimate, it’s unclear whether a trilateral summit can happen. Optics aside, real progress depends on one thing: action. There’s no deal until there’s a deal. And right now, the road to peace still looks long and uncertain.
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