Welcome back as we once again look at some of our readers’ highlighted comments from the past week. One story continues to dominate the news: Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders at the White House on Monday as the U.S. leader works to end the conflict.
The meeting was more positive than the explosive one that took place between the leaders in February when Zelensky took a verbal lashing from Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
As always, you have voiced your opinions, continued your debates, and kept the conversation going. In turn, we have highlighted some of your most thought-provoking takes below.
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Your highlighted comments:
On Zelensky’s Appearance During Meeting With Trump
Original Article: Volodymyr Zelensky Wears Special ‘Suit’ for Trump Meeting at White House
Background: Zelensky shook hands with Trump at the White House on Monday while wearing a black, military-style outfit. This comes after Zelensky’s decision to wear a long-sleeve T-shirt emblazoned with a Ukrainian military insignia, rather than a suit, became a topic of discussion during his tense Oval Office meeting with Trump earlier this year.
Original Comment: “He is a HERO no matter what he wears. It’s the words that come out of his mouth, his courage and his leadership that are important… Nothing else…. certainly not satisfying trumps ego.” – mamajane6161
Editor’s Note: This commenter offers a strong take on a topic that dominated headlines when Trump met Zelensky earlier this year: What the Ukrainian president was wearing. They argued that it wasn’t important and that Zelensky was a hero because of his actions, not what he’s wearing.
From the Same Article:
Original Comment: “Donald Trump did well to orchestrate this meeting. The real power to end the war lies with Putin. His usual tactics are to delay for as long as possible. He has told his people for years that Zelensky is illegitimate—therefore he cannot meet him as an equal—even with Trump.
Putin is snookered and his regime is in real danger at home.” – Trickster
Editor’s Note: The commenter credits Trump for organizing the meeting but argues that the real leverage lies with Putin, who has long refused to treat Zelensky as a legitimate counterpart. They also suggest Putin’s delay tactics are wearing thin, and that growing pressure at home has left his regime increasingly vulnerable.
On the Response to Trump’s Meeting with Putin
Original Article: Steve Witkoff Applauds ‘Game-Changing’ Security Guarantee for Ukraine
Background: U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday that Putin has indicated he is open to the U.S. agreeing a security guarantee with Ukraine.
Original Comment: “And there is still no agreement, no ceasefire, nobody has signed anything, in fact they have nothing to put on an agreement at the moment. So why are Republicans cheering like it’s a victory. Putin only delayed sanctions by meeting Trump in Alaska. The war is not over, the Russians are still attacking. And there is no date set for the next meeting.” – KevinBer702
Editor’s Note: The commenter argued that despite Republican praise following Trump’s meeting, that there is still no agreement, no ceasefire, and Russia’s assault on Ukraine continues.
On Whether President Trump Can Bring Peace to Ukraine
Original Article: Can Trump Bring Peace to Ukraine? Newsweek Contributors Debate
Background: Newsweek Contributors Debate whether President Donald Trump can bring peace to Ukraine after his meetings with Presidents Putin and Zelensky.
Original Comment: “Why can’t it be Putin’s fault that he invaded Ukraine? It’s not Europe’s fault. It’s not Trump’s fault. It’s not Biden’s fault. Let’s stop chasing our tails around in circles trying find a scapegoat and put the blame squarely when it belongs: on Putin.” – sean_k._higgi
Editor’s Note: This commenter makes a simple but powerful point: the war in Ukraine began with Vladimir Putin‘s decision to launch a full-scale invasion.
On the Aftermath of Trump’s Russia-Ukraine Talks
Original Article: Trump’s Russia-Ukraine Talks Raise Two Conditions Key to Ending War
Background: The fast-moving developments in Trump’s summits with the heads of Russia, Ukraine and European powers have raised two items increasingly positioned as critical to ending the war between Moscow and Kyiv: territorial exchanges and security guarantees.
Original Comment: “Putin has proven beyond all doubt that NATO is necessary” – Reality
Editor’s Note: This comment is short and to the point, highlighting how Putin’s aggression has reinforced the original purpose of NATO: deterring threats to European stability.
Thank you for being part of the Newsweek community. Keep sharing your thoughts and watch for more of your comments in future editions.