Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Stall

Ukraine and its European allies have accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of feigning interest in peace efforts following five hours of talks with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow, which yielded no breakthrough. The U.S., under President Donald Trump, has shifted its approach, tempering support for Ukraine and pushing for a peace deal. However, a major sticking point remains the fate of four Ukrainian regions that Russia partially occupies and claims as its own, which Ukraine has refused to cede. European NATO countries, including Canada, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands, are stepping up military assistance to Ukraine, collectively pledging hundreds of millions of dollars to purchase U.S. weapons. Meanwhile, the war of attrition continues on the battlefield, with Russia launching drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian towns, and Ukraine's air defenses intercepting Russian drones. Vladimir Putin has also accused Europeans of sabotaging U.S.-led peace efforts and warned of Russia's readiness for war with Europe if provoked, further escalating tensions.