Cliff Notes
- Donald Trump asserted a national security threat from Russia, but later hinted at a potential meeting with Vladimir Putin, citing “great progress” in discussions.
- Uncertainties remain regarding Russia’s willingness to agree to a ceasefire and whether Putin is open to meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- With 198 days into Trump’s presidency, there appears to be a shift in hope for resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Trump vowed to end Ukraine war in first 24 hours of his presidency – nearly 200 days in, could he be close?
Seven hours is a long time in US politics.
At 10am, Donald Trump accused Russia of posing a threat to America’s national security.
By 5pm, Mr Trump said there was a “good prospect” of him meeting Vladimir Putin “soon”.
There had, he claimed, been “great progress” in talks between his special envoy Steve Witkoff and the Russian president.
It’s difficult to gauge the chances of a meeting between the two leaders without knowing what “great progress” means.
Is Russia “inclined” towards agreeing a ceasefire, as Ukraine’s president now claims?
Is Mr Putin prepared to meet with his Ukrainian foe, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, too?
The very fact that we’re asking those questions suggests something shifted on a day when there was no expectation of a breakthrough.
Mr Trump repeatedly vowed to end the war within 24 hours of becoming president.
On day 198 of his presidency, he might, just might, be one step closer to achieving that.
