Trump’s Gift to Putin? Ukraine Fears Grow as US Pressure Mounts

What does Vladimir Putin say to Donald Trump in their private phone calls? That question is growing more urgent. A week ago, a call between the US president and his Russian counterpart appeared to focus on an urgent health scare—a possible plague outbreak in Siberia. Instead, the conversation led to a controversial deal. The details remain unclear, but the outcome has raised fears in Ukraine. Many now worry that Trump is increasing pressure on Kyiv while offering relief to Moscow. For Ukraine, the timing could not be worse.