Ukraine's Security: What's Really Going On?

In a recent meeting in Alaska, U. S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin talked about Ukraine's future. The U. S. might offer Ukraine some security promises, but it's not clear what these promises will look like. Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy, said the U. S. could offer something similar to NATO's Article 5, which means if one country is attacked, others will help. But not everyone agrees on what was decided. Marco Rubio, the U. S. Secretary of State, said the details are still up for discussion. He mentioned that offering security guarantees to Ukraine would be a big deal. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it would be a big change if the U. S. and Europe worked together on security for Ukraine. He also said Ukraine needs security that works in practice, like NATO's Article 5. Putin wants Ukraine to give up some territory that Russia has taken in the past three years. Witkoff said Putin made some compromises on this issue, but it's still not clear what will happen. Zelenskyy said Ukraine's constitution doesn't allow giving up land, so this issue needs to be discussed with Ukraine involved. European leaders will meet with Trump and Zelenskyy to show their support for Ukraine. They want to make sure Ukraine's military stays strong and that Europe and the U. S. help with training and supplies. Macron, the French President, said several countries are ready to help and that allied forces might be stationed in some parts of Ukraine. Trump said he made big progress with Russia, but it's not clear what that means. Witkoff said they made so much progress that they don't need a ceasefire to discuss the details. But Rubio said a ceasefire is still possible and that the U. S. is committed to a deal that includes clear borders and Russia accepting Ukraine as a sovereign country. Rubio also said the U. S. hasn't relaxed any sanctions on Russia and might impose tougher ones if talks stall. He said engaging with Russia is necessary to end the war, even if people find it unpleasant. When asked if a ceasefire is off the table, Rubio said no, but he also said this is not the U. S. 's war.