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Form Over Substance As Trump's Ukraine Peace Juggernaut Careers Onwards

The Straits Times

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August 20, 2025

Lack of clarity remains over US security guarantees.

- Ben Hall

Form Over Substance As Trump's Ukraine Peace Juggernaut Careers Onwards

A possible meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart. A follow-up trilateral summit of the Russian, Ukrainian and US presidents. A placatory Mr Volodymyr Zelensky avoiding another White House bust-up and European leaders lining up to show deference (again).

US President Donald Trump's meetings on Aug 18 with the Ukrainian leader and his European allies went better than many had feared.

Mr Trump's peace juggernaut is careering forward. But few people can tell where it is heading. So far it is mostly about form. Much of the substance that will underpin a deal to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine remains unclear and possibly unresolvable.

While Mr Trump wants to seal a deal, any deal, as soon as possible, Kyiv and its supporters will want to buy time to work through the details and avoid being railroaded into an unfavourable settlement.

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