All eyes are on Washington as President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. Their summit follows Trump’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska. Reactions to that meeting vary depending on party lines. Republicans praised Trump for pursuing diplomacy. Democrats warned he gave Putin a global stage and legitimacy.
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso praised the talks as a show of “America’s strength and leadership.” He said European nations are standing with the U.S. and that the violence must stop. A lasting peace, according to Barrasso, would benefit Ukraine, Russia, Europe, and the United States.
Trump has repeatedly emphasized urgency in ending the war. He first gave Putin 50 days to reach a ceasefire. Then, he reduced that deadline to 10 or 12 days. So far, no formal agreement has been reached. Still, Trump officials claimed Putin accepted some security guarantees for Ukraine. That has not satisfied many in Congress.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised Trump’s direct diplomacy. But he also warned that the Senate is ready to impose sanctions if needed. He said lawmakers would support Trump with economic leverage to push Russia toward peace.
All eyes are on Washington as pressure builds. Senate Democrats remain skeptical and want stronger action. Senator Jeanne Shaheen said Congress must act if Trump doesn’t. She plans to push legislation to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses and penalize Russian allies like China. Shaheen condemned Russia’s actions, including the kidnapping of children and killing of civilians.
Senator Mike Lee said American interests must come first. He argued that the war is draining resources and must end soon. He added that Ukraine deserves peace but not an endless flow of U.S. funding.
Senator Tim Kaine welcomed Trump’s decision to include Zelenskyy and European leaders in discussions. He stressed that Putin should not control any outcomes. He said future decisions must come from Ukraine and its allies. All eyes are on Washington as the world waits for results. Diplomacy may still offer a path to end this brutal war.
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