Will the war in Ukraine end? And how can it be achieved? Before returning to the White House, it was stated that the conflict in Ukraine would be ended within 24 hours. Following his re-assumption of duties, American and Russian officials sat at the same table for the first time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, discussing a potential peace plan to end the bloody three-year conflict, leaving Ukraine and the EU out of the equation. After more than four hours of talks, both sides agreed that elections should be held in Ukraine before reaching a final peace agreement. The same official is pressuring Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensely for these elections. This proposal raises concerns that Russia might use the elections to install a pro-Putin candidate who would agree to peace terms favorable to Moscow. The decision by the U.S. and Russia to lay the groundwork for ending the war signals a potentially significant turning point after three years of devastating conflict, though it doesn’t necessarily mean the war will end. Many doubt Putin’s willingness to negotiate in good faith, while Europe and Ukraine fear Trump might strike a deal with the Kremlin without considering them. Analysts present a guide explaining step-by-step how a longed-for agreement could be reached and what it might include. Currently, Ukraine has few options to reverse Russia’s recent battlefield successes, meaning any agreement could involve painful concessions from Ukraine, possibly seen as a reward for Trump towards Putin’s aggression. However, Putin may have his own incentives to pursue an agreement due to economic risks and military losses. Despite challenges, progress was noted during previous direct negotiations in early 2022, suggesting a possible compromise satisfying Putin while maintaining some form of sovereignty and security for Ukraine. Biden’s administration sought to diplomatically isolate Russia, insisting that any negotiations involving Ukraine must include Ukrainians. Trump deviated from this approach, calling Putin directly and agreeing to discuss matters bilaterally, informing Zelenskyy later. Consequently, Ukraine now appears isolated, even though Europe has provided more aid than the U.S. Trump mentioned he ‘might’ meet Putin soon in Saudi Arabia. Qatar, UAE, and Turkey have mediated on issues like prisoner exchanges and Black Sea shipping. Ukraine has declared it will never recognize changes to its borders. Russia claims not only the approximately 20% of territory it controls but also areas under Ukrainian control in four regions. A potential compromise equals a ceasefire.