Trump Sends Mixed Signals on Ceasefire in High-Stakes Ukraine Talks

 In a whirlwind of statements over just a few days, President Donald Trump has shifted repeatedly on his stance toward a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war. Ahead of his Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin on August 15, Trump warned of “severe consequences” if the Russian leader refused a ceasefire. After the meeting, however, he softened, urging Russia and Ukraine to “go directly to a Peace Agreement.” Sitting beside Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on August 18, he declared, “I don’t think you need a ceasefire,” only to later tell European leaders that a ceasefire would in fact be “preferred” while pursuing lasting peace. The back-and-forth has left allies and observers questioning where U.S. policy truly stands.