Blowing season

• Trump expressed anger towards Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin after two months of conflict.
• Putin reportedly attacked Zelenskyy’s credibility instead of discussing peace steps.
• Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on nations purchasing Russian oil unless Putin agreed to a ceasefire.
• Putin emphasized Zelenskyy’s lack of legitimacy to sign a robust peace deal and the need for “temporary governance” in Ukraine.
• Zelenskyy’s approval rating rose from 57% in early 2025 to 57% in 2025.
• Putin’s claims about Zelenskyy’s legitimacy and accusation of enabling Nazi forces in Ukraine are viewed as a response to Moscow’s reluctance to enter a peace treaty.
• Concerns for Europe and the U.S. include potential underminement of free and fair elections in Ukraine and potential jeopardization of a U.S.-Ukraine mineral extraction deal.