Politico links that speak for themselves.
Putin-Zelenskyy summit won’t happen, says Germany’s Merz
‘His inexperience shines through’: Steve Witkoff struggles to manage Russia as Trump peace envoy
What happened to Keith Kellogg?
https://www.emptywheel.net/2025/09/01/trumps-attempt-to-repackage-his-capitulation-in-ukraine/
The latter item notes and quotes JD Vance opining that the Politico second above link ignores Administration cheerleader stuff and focuses instead on anonymous sourcing. Since it says Whitkoff has the skill of a real estate developer in dealings with Putin, not the skill of a Russian expert, the cheerleaders will identify themselves saying false and biased, and the naysayers will cover theirx asses by not going by name on the record. Vance knows better.
What is the truth. Putin is in the driver's seat, and Merz is likely hitting the nail on the head.
Trump? The skill of a real estate developer. Putin has the skill of a head of state.
Europe is closer to the situation, and likely is correct.
Another Politico item:
US must join forces with Europe to pressure Putin, say EU foreign ministers
The call comes after U.S. President Donald Trump set a deadline for Vladimir Putin to meet with his Ukrainian counterpart.