Exclusive: Trump-Zelenskyy Reset Redraws U.S.-Ukraine Strategy Amid NATO Security Talks

Private conversations inside Trump’s circle reveal cautious optimism — and deep divisions — over possible U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, reshaping transatlantic diplomacy and MAGA politics.

A New Phase in U.S.-Ukraine Relations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s whirlwind meetings in Washington have sparked what insiders are calling a “reset” in relations with U.S. President Donald Trump. Following tense exchanges earlier this year, the two leaders appeared in sync during back-to-back sessions that included NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

In a surprising turn, Trump expressed a willingness to participate in security guarantees for Ukraine, a move hailed by European allies as a diplomatic breakthrough. “The optimism of your president is to be taken seriously,” Macron said.

What Trump World Is Saying in Private

While the public message was one of unity, insiders in Trump’s orbit revealed deeper layers:

1. The Reset is Real – Trump and Zelenskyy struck a markedly warmer tone than their rocky February meeting. One senior official told TELL IT LIKE IT IS News the “vibe” was “terrific” and “really productive.”
2. Europe’s Crucial Role – The presence of multiple European heads of state was described as “unwieldy but effective,” according to officials. Though the White House saw their participation as validation, aides acknowledged that “it is more of a European war than an American war.”
3. Toward a Trilateral Summit – Trump reportedly offered to join an upcoming Zelenskyy-Putin meeting. While Putin initially declined, Trump’s team is actively exploring a trilateral framework to push for a peace settlement.
4. Alaska’s Aftershocks – The earlier Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage, once criticized as inconclusive, is now viewed internally as the critical moment that opened the door for talks on security guarantees.
5. Unanswered Questions on U.S. Commitments – Officials remain unclear about the depth of U.S. involvement. While Trump pledged participation, details on troop commitments or financial backing are unresolved.
6. Domestic Political Fault Lines – MAGA insiders, including Steve Bannon, are openly skeptical. Bannon warned on his “War Room” podcast that offering U.S. security guarantees is tantamount to an “Article 5 commitment” that risks drawing America into Europe’s war.

Strategic Stakes for Ukraine and Beyond

With talks of a Zelenskyy-Putin summit within two weeks — and a possible trilateral meeting to follow — the geopolitical landscape could shift rapidly. For Ukraine, the promise of U.S.-backed security guarantees represents its strongest lifeline since the war began. For Trump, it poses both a foreign policy opportunity and a political gamble as 2028 looms.

Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff have been tasked with coordinating next steps, marking their first major joint test in foreign policy.

Outlook

Whether Trump’s reset with Zelenskyy leads to a breakthrough peace deal or fractures his own political base remains uncertain. But insiders agree: the “new vibe” between Washington and Kyiv could redefine not only the war in Ukraine but the future of transatlantic security.

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-- By James W. Thomas and Andre Leday

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