Trump-Putin Summit Leaves Ukraine's Peace Path Unclear

In a diplomatic shift, U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Ukraine to negotiate directly with Russia for a peace settlement, following a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Despite this, European allies continue to back Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and security guarantees.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to visit Washington as he navigates responses to Trump's new approach. The summit, which lasted nearly three hours, did not result in a ceasefire agreement, a previous key demand from Ukraine and its European allies. Instead, Trump and Putin discussed potential peace settlements.

Moscow welcomed Trump's stance, though no direct meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents was scheduled. Meanwhile, European leaders reiterated their commitment to tightening sanctions against Russia, aiming to pressure for an end to the ongoing conflict that has ravaged the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)