Ukraine looks to secure funding for 10 Patriot air defence systems and discusses meeting with Putin – Europe live
Guardian1 day
Russia Says New Ukraine Talks Unlikely, Trump Suggests Meeting Putin
Above: Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on July 25, 2025. Image copyright: Sergei Ilyin/AFP/Russian state agency Sputnik/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Ukraine's battle against Russia's continued aggression demands U.S. support. Trump's decision to send Patriot air defenses aids Kyiv but lacks enduring commitment, revealing his isolationist tendencies. His 50-day ultimatum to Russia also rings hollow, prioritizing political optics over Ukraine's survival. True leadership would bolster defense spending and diplomacy, not treat Ukraine as a burden. Russia must be met with ferocity, not politics.
Pro-Russia narrative
Ukraine was always on the wrong side of this war, catering to the desires of Western elites. Given Kyiv was always just a pawn in this game, Zelenskyy's power grabs were always going to end at some point. Now that the U.S. has tired of its support and the Ukrainian people are fed up with their authoritarian president, the best Kyiv can hope for is a messy stalemate. Moscow was always going to win this proxy war.
Pro-Trump narrative
Trump's strategy on Ukraine is pragmatic, balancing aid with restraint to avoid deeper U.S. entanglement. His 50-day ultimatum and threat of sanctions on Russia's backers like China, coupled with his demand for more NATO support, signal strength, not weakness. His approach avoids reckless escalation, fostering peace through strength without committing the U.S. to an endless proxy war.