Will Putin Be in Turkey for Peace Talks? Kremlin’s List Indicates Not.
A hard-line aide to the Russian president will instead lead the delegation, according to a Kremlin statement.
Ukraine
Taking Inches in Battle, Russia Demands Miles in Talks
Moscow thinks it’s winning in Ukraine and can play hardball diplomatically. Washington sees costly, incremental gains and an unrealistic negotiating position.
U.S. Payoff for Ukraine Minerals Deal Faces Many Hurdles
The agreement could provide a windfall to the U.S., but the resources will be expensive to extract, and any progress is unlikely while the war rages.
Trump Ties Himself to Future of Ukraine With Minerals Deal
The text of the agreement, made public by Ukraine’s government, made no mention of the security guarantees that Kyiv had long sought.
U.S. and Ukraine Sign Minerals Deal
The Trump administration did not immediately provide details about the agreement, and it was not clear what it meant for the future of U.S. military support for Ukraine.
Finnish Leader Warns Russia: ‘You Don’t Play With President Trump’
President Alexander Stubb of Finland, who has become an interlocutor in peace talks, says in an interview he doesn’t want Ukraine to suffer the same fate his country once endured.
Three Takeaways From the Times’ Interview With President Alexander Stubb of Finland
Alexander Stubb warned against subjecting Ukraine to “Finlandization,” called for more pressure on Russia’s leader to get a peace deal and said President Trump was running out of patience.
Rubio Says Trump Will Decide This Week on Continuing Ukraine War Talks
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there are reasons to be optimistic, but also asserted there are “other issues” on which the administration wants to spend its energy.
How Trump Plays Into Putin’s Hands, From Ukraine to Slashing U.S. Institutions
Many of President Trump’s actions have been seen as benefiting Russia either directly or indirectly, so much so that Russian officials have celebrated some of his moves.
Trump Urges Russia to ‘STOP!’ After Deadly Attack on Ukraine’s Capital
President Trump also sought to divert blame should negotiations fall apart, a sign that he is perhaps more pessimistic about a deal than he was when he took office in January.