Peace in Ukraine remains distant ahead of another Trump-Putin summit

FILE Ñ President Donald Trump, right, with President Vladimir Putin of Russia at the two leadersÕ summit meeting in Anchorage, Alaska on Aug. 15, 2025. Even as Putin has pounded Ukrainian cities and waged grinding warfare in the countryÕs east, he has invested dozens of hours into flattering Trump, dangling the prospect of Russian-American business deals and sending the message that Russia is open to talks to end its invasion. (Doug Mills/The New York Times

US President Donald Trump (right) with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the two leaders' summit meeting in Alaska on Aug 15.

PHOTO: DOUG MILLS/NYTIMES

Jonathan Eyal

BRUSSELS – Fresh from his diplomatic victory in ending the war in Gaza, US President Donald Trump is now doubling down on efforts to stop the war in Ukraine, a conflict that has lasted even longer and killed even more people.

On Oct 17, Mr Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House for talks he described as “very interesting and cordial”.

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