Joining us now, NBC News chief White House correspondent, Peter Alexander. NBC News foreign correspondent Danielle Hamjin and former US ambassador to Ukraine, Bill Taylor. He's a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center.Peter, I want to go to you first. What's the latest on preparations for the Putin Zilinsky summit considering the Kremlin is now slowwalking it. >> Yeah, Ally, it's a good question and heading into the break, you referred to this as sort of a TBD to be determined.I think ...

Geopolitical Landscape & Security Guarantees - Russia agreed to accept security guarantees for Ukraine, signaling a potentially significant step towards de-escalation [1] - The United States is ready to provide strong security guarantees, a move considered a "big step" in the negotiation process [1] - Security considerations extend beyond Ukraine, encompassing the security of Europe and the United Kingdom [1] - The proposed security guarantees are being framed as an "Article Five type guarantee," referencing NATO's collective defense principle, even though Ukraine is unlikely to join NATO in the near term [3] - European countries are showing strong support for Ukraine, sending a message to Russia about the unified stance of the West [3] Diplomatic Developments & Western Unity - The meeting of Western leaders is considered a historic event, demonstrating unity and resolve [2] - Western leaders expressed their support for security guarantees, signaling a unified front to Vladimir Putin [3] - The gathering of Western leadership in one room to discuss peace talks is seen as a positive development [5] - The current diplomatic engagement represents a significant shift from the situation in February [6] Potential Financial & Military Aid - There is discussion of a potential $90 billion military package for Ukraine [4]

International Relations & Diplomacy - Russia is downplaying the prospect of a face-to-face meeting between Vladimir Putin and Wimir Zalinski, suggesting thorough preparation is needed for any high-stakes bilateral talks [1][11] - The White House is considering arranging a trilateral meeting between Putin, Zalinsky, and Trump, potentially in Budapest [4] - Discussions are underway regarding security guarantees for Ukraine after the war, with the US potentially providing air support but not ground troops [5][6][13][14] - French President Emanuel Macron is pushing for Geneva as a meeting location, offering immunity for Putin due to the International Criminal Court arrest warrant [5] Military & Security - The British Ministry of Defense estimates it would take Russia four more years of fighting and cost nearly 2 million additional casualties to capture the remaining territories it illegally annexed in 2022 [6] - Russian strikes in Ukraine's northeastern region and Odessa injured at least 30 people and damaged port infrastructure [7] - Approximately 1,200 National Guard troops are being deployed to Washington DC from largely southern states [20] US Domestic Policy & Budget - A federal website tracking government spending is back online after a court order, following its removal by the Trump administration in March [24][25] - The White House and Congress are engaged in a budget fight, with potential for a government shutdown in September [26][28]

Joining us now, NBC News White House correspondent Monica Alba, NBC News chief foreign affairs correspondent Andrea Mitchell and political white house and foreign affairs correspondent Eli Stokels. Starting with some of my favorite people, Monica, first to you. This hot mic moment with the president is just so it's so demonstrative of where his head has always been at with Vladimir Putin.We saw that moment where he seemed to have some skepticism of him. He felt like Putin was dragging him along. But now it ...

Geopolitical Security - Ukraine's security relies on the United States and other international leaders' support [1] - The speaker expresses happiness with President Trump regarding security guarantees [1] - The speaker indicates many countries support Ukraine and its people's desire to end the war [1] Diplomatic Relations - A "very good conversation" occurred with President Trump, discussing "very sensitive points" [1]

at stake today. Nothing less than the very future of Ukraine and America's standing in the world. Because the meetings with European leaders happening at the White House right now as we come on the air stand to potentially reshape the global order for better or depending on how things go, for worse.At the moment, there is a multilateral meeting underway in the East Room with a number of European leaders in attendance. They are essentially there as backup for Ukraine's president Vladimir Zalinski following t ...

US Foreign Policy & Diplomacy - Brookings Institution's expert suggests initial relief that the meeting in Alaska didn't sway President Trump towards Putin's camp [2] - The discussion of US backing Ukraine's long-term security is viewed as a promising step, though its specifics remain unclear [3] - The debate around a ceasefire is considered important but potentially less so over time if Putin doesn't show reasonable effort to end the war [4][5] US-Russia Relations - The American president is perceived as capable of discerning Putin's tactical ploys [5] - The invitation and reception of President Putin in the US drew criticism [6][7] - The value of the meeting with Putin hinges on subsequent diplomatic progress; otherwise, it risks being seen as excessive leniency towards an alleged war criminal [8] International Relations & Leadership - Other world leaders seemed to genuinely praise the president's efforts to engage with Putin, viewing it as a potential catalyst for progress [7][14] - The meeting is seen by some leaders as a chance to "reset the game pieces" and potentially find a path to a deal, despite the acknowledged complexities [15] - The White House would likely portray the day as a success, highlighting the united front and push for peace [12] Potential Challenges & Future Considerations - The specifics of security guarantees and the US role could be controversial, particularly among the president's political base [13] - The success of the diplomacy will determine whether the meeting with Putin is viewed favorably [8]

Geopolitical Strategy & Security - A ceasefire declaration involving Putin, Zalinsky, and European backing is seen as the best possible near-term outcome [3] - A freeze in place, recognizing current territorial lines without control, could be a positive step [6] - Potential security guarantees for Ukraine, involving European and possibly US involvement, could facilitate a ceasefire by maintaining Ukraine's current territory [7] - Crimea is considered off the table for both Putin and Zalinsky [4] - The Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk) remains a key area of debate [5] Economic & Business Impact - The conflict has disrupted aviation, shipping, oil, and agriculture, with many businesses ceasing operations in Russia [9] - A ceasefire could potentially halt disruption, benefiting both the Russian and Ukrainian economies in the short term [10][11] - Long-term concerns exist regarding a rejuvenated Russian military attempting to seize more of Ukraine, impacting global peace, prosperity, and democratic expansion [11]

I think that we had very good conversation with President Trump, very good and it really was the best one uh or sorry maybe the best one will be in the future but it was really good and we spoke about very sensitive points. Uh the first one is security guarantees and we are very happy with president that all the leaders are here and security in Ukraine depends on the United States and on you and on those leaders who are with us in our hearts. They have been on online before yesterday and etc. So a lot of co ...

President Sullinsky welcoming what happened uh yesterday in Alaska, issuing a statement saying that he's on his way to the US. He'll be meeting with President Trump on Monday. We also saw EU leaders uh who are friends of of Ukraine, also welcoming uh what happened in Alaska, saying that the the US and Europe must give uh Ukraine quote ironclad security guarantees.So this is a process. It is continuing, but yes, so is the war. So was the fighting. ...