Trump receives Zelensky and prepares summit with Putin
Donald Trump receives Volodymyr Zelensky today in Washington, at the same time as he is preparing a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Budapest. The coincidence of agendas reignites the dispute for influence over the course of the war in Ukraine and challenges European allies, who fear concessions to the Kremlin. Trump, Zelensky and the new phase of the war
- Diplomacy on two fronts: The White House is trying to balance military support for Kiev with a promise to reopen direct channels with Moscow. Trump and Zelensky today discuss the supply of long-range weapons, while the former president confirms plans to meet with Putin in the coming weeks in Budapest.
- Moving around Moscow: THE Reuters reported that Putin convened his Security Council shortly after the telephone conversation with Trump, a gesture seen as preparation for the summit and an attempt to consolidate internal position before the negotiations.
- What’s at stake: The European Union fears that any gesture of rapprochement will reduce the momentum of sanctions and weaken Kiev. Oil and gas are once again reacting to the risk of a new geopolitical reset.
Gaza: ceasefire holds, but aid remains scarce
- Truce maintained: Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire and promised to return the remains of Israeli hostages. Israel, however, maintains tight control over the Rafah crossing, restricting the entry of supplies.
- Humanitarian crisis: UN agencies warn that the volume of aid is “critically low” a week after the truce. The impasse threatens to erode the political capital of the agreement and reignite internal tensions.
