Dear Focus Reader,

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clashed in the Oval Office during a tense meeting today that was intended to finalize a U.S.-Ukraine deal on rare earth minerals. Instead, the conversation derailed, with Zelenskyy accused of being "disrespectful" and "gambling with millions of lives." The meeting ended abruptly with no deal nor joint press conference, highlighting a significant shift in Washington's stance towards the conflict. The exchange has already drawn criticism from prominent figures, with former U.S. Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling it "contrary to America's ideals of democracy and freedom."

The meeting also came as the U.S. looks to negotiate with Russia, following both U.S. and Chinese engagements with Moscow discussing the war earlier this week. On Monday, the U.S. aligned with Russia in two key votes at the United Nations, marking a further shift in its foreign policy. At the U.N. General Assembly, the U.S. opposed a European-backed resolution condemning Russia's invasion and supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity. Instead, it supported its own resolution, which called for an end to the conflict but notably omitted any criticism of Russia. This stance was reinforced at the U.N. Security Council, where the U.S.-proposed resolution passed with 10 votes in favor, despite abstentions from key European, including the U.K. and France. Additionally, China abstained from each of these votes, remaining consistent with its past voting behavior regarding Ukraine.

On the same day, China and Russia reaffirmed their strategic partnership as President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a virtual meeting, their second in two months. The two leaders pledged to strengthen bilateral relations, with China emphasizing its support for a sustainable and long-term peace plan in Ukraine. As the war enters its third year, Beijing continues to maintain economic and diplomatic ties with Moscow, and is helping Russia navigate the impact of Western-led sanctions. However, Xi also expressed support for Russia's efforts to hold talks with the U.S. aimed at ending the war.

Learn more on international relations by catching up on our latest Focus content, including articles on China's role in the Russia-Ukraine war, the evolution of challenges facing the EU, and global cooperation amid competition.