A Russia expert warns Putin views a potential Zelenskyy meeting as theater to show Russian greatness rather than genuine diplomacy for Ukraine peace talks.

In a reversal only few hours after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said an overall peace agreement, and not a ceasefire, was the best way to end the war. That statement echoed Putin’s view that Russia is not interested in a temporary truce, and instead is seeking a long-term settlement that takes Moscow’s interests into account.