For three years, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stood as a symbol of the West’s united front against Russia’s aggression. His leadership compelled Europe to confront the Kremlin’s divisive tactics and corruption.

However, on Wednesday in Kyiv, Zelensky appeared diminished, sharing the stage with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent instead of US President Donald Trump, whom he had hoped to meet. Trump had hinted at a possible meeting, but instead, Zelensky received a financial proposal from Bessent—one he declined to sign.

Meanwhile, Trump was occupied elsewhere—reportedly holding his second call in days with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The call coincided with the release of American prisoner Marc Fogel from Russian custody, a gesture that painted Russia in a more favorable light to the American public.

The unfolding events left Zelensky sidelined. Once sought after by world leaders for photo ops, he now finds himself second to Putin on Trump’s call list. Trump even concluded his public remarks with an unexpected “God bless the people of Russia and Ukraine,” signaling a shift in tone.

Adding to Zelensky’s dismay, US Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth dismantled his hopes for key peace deal points: no NATO membership for Ukraine, no return to 2014 borders, and no American troops in peacekeeping roles. Instead, Europe would bear the responsibility.

This emerging peace framework echoes a plan proposed by retired General Keith Kellogg, now a presidential envoy. His vision called for a European-led peacekeeping force, Ukraine’s renouncement of NATO aspirations, and a shift from aid to loans.

Discussions in Kyiv also touched on rare earth minerals—a topic reminiscent of Trump’s brief interest in Afghanistan in 2017, which ended with a withdrawal deal favoring the Taliban.

While Trump’s team seems to be pursuing Kellogg’s plan with discipline, the true master of patience and strategy is Putin. For him, victory in Ukraine is pivotal for his legacy and global power balance.

For Trump, Ukraine is a problem he once claimed he could resolve in 24 hours—secondary to his primary objective: securing peace on his terms with Putin.