President Donald Trump's phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin abruptly ended the three-year U.S.-led effort to isolate Russia over Ukraine. This sudden policy change marks a watershed moment that immediately breaks the ice between Moscow and Washington. The broad agenda discussed during the call aligns with Putin's long-standing wish list, including global issues like the Middle East settlement, energy markets, and AI. Trump described it as lengthy and highly productive, emphasizing their shared desire to halt the fighting in Ukraine without stating who initiated the conflict. A potential Ukrainian peace talks could evolve drastically under such a framework. Putin has demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from the four regions Russia has seized but never fully controlled, renounce its bid to join NATO, and protect the rights of Russian speakers. Zelenskyy has rejected Moscow's demands, but the grim battlefield situation and the latest statements from Trump set the stage for talks in which Kyiv could potentially be forced into painful compromises. Trump has shown little interest in bringing European allies on board, indicating that Ukraine will not be allowed to join NATO or get all its territory back from Russia. Hegseth insisted that any peacekeeping troops should not be covered by the part of NATO's founding treaty that obliges all allies to come to the aid of any member under attack. The abrupt change in U.S. policy, coupled with Putin's maximalist approach, puts Ukraine at risk of being presented with a deal negotiated behind its back. The move has left Europe flabbergasted and could further complicate efforts toward achieving peace in Ukraine?

President Donald Trump's phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin abruptly ended the three-year U.S.-led effort to isolate Russia over Ukraine. This sudden policy change marks a watershed moment that immediately breaks the ice between Moscow and Washington. The broad agenda discussed during the call aligns with Putin's long-standing wish list, including global issues like the Middle East settlement, energy markets, and AI. Trump described it as lengthy and highly productive, emphasizing their shared desire to halt the fighting in Ukraine without stating who initiated the conflict. A potential Ukrainian peace talks could evolve drastically under such a framework. Putin has demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from the four regions Russia has seized but never fully controlled, renounce its bid to join NATO, and protect the rights of Russian speakers. Zelenskyy has rejected Moscow's demands, but the grim battlefield situation and the latest statements from Trump set the stage for talks in which Kyiv could potentially be forced into painful compromises. Trump has shown little interest in bringing European allies on board, indicating that Ukraine will not be allowed to join NATO or get all its territory back from Russia. Hegseth insisted that any peacekeeping troops should not be covered by the part of NATO's founding treaty that obliges all allies to come to the aid of any member under attack. The abrupt change in U.S. policy, coupled with Putin's maximalist approach, puts Ukraine at risk of being presented with a deal negotiated behind its back. The move has left Europe flabbergasted and could further complicate efforts toward achieving peace in Ukraine?