We are now further from peace than we were before US President Donald Trump's meetings first with Vladimir Putin in Alaska and then with Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, writes Sky News.
Putin wants all of Ukraine destroyed and swallowed up by his greater Russia. To stop him, the allies agreed two weeks ago that an immediate ceasefire was needed, along with much more painful pressure, namely sanctions affecting his oil industry.
Then came Trump's U-turn in Alaska. There it became clear – there will be neither a ceasefire nor tougher sanctions from Washington.
Even the subsequent meeting at the White House with Zelensky and European allies did not make Trump change his mind. Trump seems to agree with Putin on key issues.
Aware of the deteriorating situation for Ukraine, the allies seem to accept that it will have to give up territories seized by force. Zelensky is under increasing pressure to give up territories.
In return, security guarantees are mentioned. But Trump very often changes his mind and abandons his commitments, even those enshrined in international treaties.
The meeting at the White House seemed to be focused on stroking Trump's ego. There are a few hard facts about the war: Putin cannot be trusted, Putin wants the end of Ukraine, Putin will only back down under maximum pressure.
Prolonged international diplomacy may satisfy Mr. Trump’s desire for attention, but peace in Ukraine seems further away.