'Trump clearly has the leverage' ahead of talks with Putin, fmr. U.S. amb. to Ukraine says

Geopolitical Landscape & Diplomacy - A meeting between President Trump and President Putin is anticipated, with potential inclusion of Ukraine's President Zelensky, though conditions for Zelensky's participation remain unmet [1][2][3][4] - The US administration is pushing for Ukraine's President Zelensky to be part of the summit [1] - President Trump's deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face economic sanctions is expiring [2] - President Trump indicated Zelensky doesn't necessarily have to be part of the meeting, a shift from earlier White House statements [3][4] - President Putin wants to regain credibility and be admitted back to the table [6] Military & Security Assistance - The US has increased military assistance to Ukraine [6] - American weapons provided through NATO allies send a message of continued US military support to Ukraine [12] - Russia is advancing on the ground, albeit slowly and at a high cost [16][17] - Ukraine is targeting military assets deep inside Russia with success [16] Sanctions & Economic Pressure - President Trump threatened secondary sanctions against Russia if a ceasefire isn't reached [2][10] - The timing of potential sanctions appears more flexible [12] - The US has already imposed sanctions on India for buying Russian oil and put tariffs on India [11] Ceasefire & Negotiations - Discussions are expected to initially focus on a ceasefire, considered achievable [8][9] - A comprehensive ceasefire (air, land, and sea) could halt the conflict [10] - Issues like NATO membership, territorial compensation, and reparations are considered long-term discussion points [10] - Ukrainians are weary of the war and increasingly support a negotiated end, but they don't want to give up territory [13][14][15]