There has to be peace in Ukraine. Kiev and its European allies have to be persuaded or pressurised by Trump

The US cutting loose both Kiev and Brussels is the way to end the war, and that’s a good thing

No one should be surprised that Trump wants to bring the war in Ukraine to a conclusion

SecDef Hegseth defends the president’s comments while softening his own

Russian leader has sought to cut Ukraine and Europe out of negotiations

‘We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s Nations,’ Trump says

The diplomatic tango between Washington and Moscow is underway, but Trump’s promise to bring a quick end to the war in Ukraine on Trump’s terms appears more unlikely with each passing day. Prior to the conversation between the two leaders during the last four days, diplomats representing Moscow and Washington in their respective embassies did the detail work of arranging the phone diplomacy. But, according to Borizzkman, there were two, not one, conversations (this is Borizzkman’s concise eight-minute video presenting the latest developments):

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE/MOSCOW, Feb 9 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday he believed the United States was making progress in its talks to end thewar between Russia and Ukraine, but declined to provide details about any communications he had had with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Goods and services can be sanctioned, or they can receive a tariff, but it makes no sense to do both in succession. While Donald Trump is liberal with threats of tariffs, there are fresh reports that the US is planning further sanctions on Russia unless it comes to the negotiating table. The Kremlin has dismissed this as “nothing new”.

Moscow believes it has the resources and manpower to keep up the fight