Trump Rushes Peace in Ukraine; Putin Drags His Feet

President Trump announced a "big, beautiful agreement" to end Russia's war in Ukraine ahead of trilateral talks beginning November 10th in Abu Dhabi, but Kyiv and European allies doubt a serious diplomatic breakthrough is imminent. The talks follow Trump's midterm defeat, adding urgency as negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner face a January deadline from incoming Democratic majorities. Russia shows flexibility only after America broadened talks to include European security, which critics say lets Moscow make new demands while continuing the war. Ukraine expects no comprehensive peace before Russia's winter campaign ends, though limited prisoner exchanges and localised ceasefires are possible. Contentious issues include security guarantees, Russian energy market access, and Ukraine's demand for massive aid, while Russia continues destroying Ukrainian infrastructure.