Ukrainian President Zelenskiy urged President Trump to use momentum from the Gaza ceasefire last week to bring an end to Russia’s invasion, part of a trip where he’s seeking Tomahawk missiles and security guarantees https://t.co/iBVsw9Nmy2 https://t.co/u0DF608Okh ...

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]

US-Russia Relations & Potential Summit - The report discusses the evolving relationship between President Trump and President Putin, noting Trump's initial skepticism followed by a warmer stance [2] - The White House is considering a trilateral meeting between Presidents Trump, Putin, and Zelensky, but its occurrence is uncertain due to unresolved details [3][5] - Potential locations for a meeting involving President Putin are being considered, with Budapest mentioned but not confirmed or denied by the White House [6] - The timeline for a potential meeting is uncertain, possibly within two weeks or longer, depending on security guarantees and territorial questions [7] Ukraine & Security Guarantees - Ukraine and Europe are pushing for a ceasefire due to ongoing Russian attacks on civilians [7] - Security guarantees for Ukraine are being worked on by a coalition of willing nations [8][9] - The amount of Ukrainian land Russia seeks is significant, comparable to several US states [10] - The report highlights the challenge of getting Ukraine comfortable with laying down arms and securing its post-war security [19] - Uncertainty remains about the US role in providing post-war security guarantees to Ukraine [20] NATO & Conflict Resolution - President Trump appears to be taking Ukraine's potential NATO membership off the table as part of a potential peace agreement, aligning with Putin's stance [16] - Trump believes he has more leverage with Ukraine and Europe than with Putin, influencing his approach to resolving the conflict [17] - Trump's strategy involves convincing Ukraine to accept that the war is not progressing in its favor and to negotiate a deal [18] Internal Views on Russia - There are individuals within Trump's circle, like Marco Rubio, who are skeptical of Russia, but their influence on Trump's views is unclear [21][23]

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]

Geopolitical Landscape & US Foreign Policy - The report highlights the high stakes of current meetings regarding the future of Ukraine and America's global standing, potentially reshaping the global order [1] - The US faces a critical decision: either stand with allies to pressure Russia or embrace Russia's position, potentially undermining alliances [9][10] - A summit with Russia seemingly emboldened Russia militarily, leading to deadly assaults on Ukrainian cities [10] Ceasefire & Security Guarantees - The necessity for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia is discussed, with differing views on its immediate feasibility and strategic implications [3][4][5] - Russia is seeking security guarantees for Ukraine, a key point of negotiation [6][7] - The report mentions the possibility of European nations taking on a larger burden in securing Ukraine, with US assistance [8] Territorial Integrity & Negotiations - Discussions involve potential exchanges of territory, specifically Ukrainian territory for Ukrainian territory, not Russian territory [19][20] - Russia demands Ukraine cede control of parts of Donbas currently held by Ukrainian soldiers [21] - Ukraine's official position is to restore its territorial integrity to its 1991 borders, including Donbas and Crimea [22][23] - A potential formula involves Ukraine agreeing to reunite the country through peaceful means in exchange for real security guarantees from the West [24] Diplomatic Strategy & Alliances - Including European leaders in meetings is seen as a strategic move to broaden the context beyond individual leaders and correct previous framing [14][15][16] - Separating conversations about land concessions (between Russia and Ukraine) from security guarantees (between Ukraine and NATO allies) is suggested [25] - The idea that Russia gets to decide what the security guarantees are for Ukraine is considered a strategic mistake [25]

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]

Security Guarantees & International Relations - The discussion focused on security guarantees for Ukraine, with the United States playing a crucial role [1][3] - The involved parties aim to stop the war and are actively discussing security guarantees [2] - The United States is showing strong support and readiness to provide security guarantees [3] - A trilateral meeting at the leaders' level is planned to discuss sensitive issues, including territorial matters [4] - The speaker expressed gratitude for the unity and support received from international leaders [6] Humanitarian Efforts - Prisoner exchange is a priority, and the speaker hopes for assistance in this area [3] - Focus on the return of abducted children to their families, potentially marking a historic role [3] - The involved parties aim to bring back all people in prison, including warriors, civilians, and journalists [5] Strategic Discussions - Detailed information about the battlefield situation was shared, including a map [5] - The meeting was described as constructive and specific [6]