Putin strikes first with big demands: No NATO for Ukraine? Trump’s shift leaves Zelensky puzzled

Donald Trump admitted Ukraine will never enter NATO after his Alaska meeting with Putin. Instead, he proposed an “Article 5-style” security guarantee for Kyiv — but without NATO’s binding protection. Sources told AFP the plan was pitched directly to Zelensky and repeated in a joint call with NATO and European leaders. The guarantee was reportedly “agreed with Putin,” leaving Europe humiliated and Ukraine stranded with empty promises. As Zelensky prepares to meet Trump in Washington on August 18, NATO’s credibility faces its toughest test yet.