The Trump administration’s early approach to ending the Ukraine war has left allies and analysts uncertain, as conflicting statements from top officials raise questions about its negotiation strategy with Russia.
President Donald Trump took his first steps toward diplomacy this week, speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by phone. He signaled that negotiations would begin soon and suggested a summit with Putin in Saudi Arabia was likely.
However, remarks from his key officials have sown confusion over U.S. policy. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told NATO that Ukraine joining the alliance was unrealistic and described Kyiv’s goal of restoring its 2014 borders as an "illusionary goal." He later backtracked, saying “everything is on the table.”
Vice President JD Vance further complicated the messaging by suggesting in a Wall Street Journal interview that sending U.S. troops to Ukraine could be an option, a major shift from Biden’s policy. Vance later denied this, stating on X that American forces should never be put in harm’s way unless it directly benefits U.S. interests.
Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized the U.S. approach as “clumsy”, warning that the West should not offer concessions before negotiations begin. Senator Roger Wicker, chair of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, called Hegseth’s comments a “rookie mistake” and said they undermined U.S. leverage.
Adding to the confusion, the White House named Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff as one of Trump’s Ukraine negotiators, leaving out Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg—a decision later clarified by officials.
Despite the mixed messaging, analysts say Trump’s priorities on Ukraine are taking shape. The emerging plan suggests:
A quick ceasefire to halt fighting.
Security guarantees for Ukraine—but likely without NATO membership.
European, not U.S., troops on the ground to enforce the agreement.
Trump’s overall strategy remains uncertain, and conflicting statements from his administration have created uncertainty among European allies and U.S. officials about its true negotiating stance.
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South Korea will host World Environment Day 2025, with a strong focus on eliminating plastic pollution worldwide.
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Ukraine has launched its most extensive drone strike of the war, targeting multiple Russian air bases in a coordinated operation that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed as a “brilliant” and unprecedented blow to Moscow’s strategic aviation forces.
Romanian authorities have evacuated dozens of residents near the Praid Salt Mine amid fears of a collapse triggered by heavy flooding, as emergency teams scramble to contain the damage and safeguard one of the country’s top tourist sites.
South Korea will host World Environment Day 2025, with a strong focus on eliminating plastic pollution worldwide.
A woman on trial for allegedly poisoning her in-laws with deadly mushrooms has denied any intent to harm, calling the incident a tragic accident.
South Koreans vote Tuesday in a snap presidential election triggered by ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol’s ouster over a failed martial law bid, with top contenders Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo vying to lead amid deep political and economic turmoil.
Uzbekistan and Belarus are strengthening their trade and industrial cooperation, aiming to boost joint business projects and economic ties.
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Britain will expand its nuclear-powered attack submarine fleet and overhaul its defence posture under a major strategic review aimed at preparing the country for modern warfare and countering the growing threat from Russia.
Russia’s Defence Ministry reported that 162 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight during what it described as a large-scale drone attack on its territory.
Romanian authorities have evacuated dozens of residents near the Praid Salt Mine amid fears of a collapse triggered by heavy flooding, as emergency teams scramble to contain the damage and safeguard one of the country’s top tourist sites.
A woman on trial for allegedly poisoning her in-laws with deadly mushrooms has denied any intent to harm, calling the incident a tragic accident.
Romanian authorities have evacuated dozens of residents near the Praid Salt Mine amid fears of a collapse triggered by heavy flooding, as emergency teams scramble to contain the damage and safeguard one of the country’s top tourist sites.
South Korea will host World Environment Day 2025, with a strong focus on eliminating plastic pollution worldwide.
A woman on trial for allegedly poisoning her in-laws with deadly mushrooms has denied any intent to harm, calling the incident a tragic accident.
South Koreans vote Tuesday in a snap presidential election triggered by ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol’s ouster over a failed martial law bid, with top contenders Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo vying to lead amid deep political and economic turmoil.
Uzbekistan and Belarus are strengthening their trade and industrial cooperation, aiming to boost joint business projects and economic ties.
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