Peace Talks Pivot: Trump's Surprising Shift on Ukraine Ceasefire

In a notable policy shift, Donald Trump, after meeting with Vladimir Putin, emphasized pursuing a peace agreement over a ceasefire to end the Ukraine war. The move aligns with Putin's preferences, leaving European and Ukrainian leaders cautious about the absence of a clear strategy to halt ongoing hostilities.

In a dramatic policy reversal, former U.S. President Donald Trump has shifted his stance from championing a ceasefire to advocating for an outright peace agreement to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This announcement followed his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, held in the backdrop of a recent summit in Alaska.

Discussions with European allies after the summit revealed Putin's desire to retain control over key regions in the contested Donbas area, yet he reportedly expressed openness to a temporary stalemate in other regions. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains staunchly opposed to ceding control over these territories.

The summit's aftermath has left the international community in a state of uncertainty, with Trump planning further meetings. Meanwhile, European allies urge for strong security guarantees for Ukraine, wary of Russia's intentions as negotiations continue to unfold.

(With inputs from agencies.)