Trump and Putin: Deal in the Making or a High-Stakes Standoff?

U.S. President Donald Trump wields significant influence over the next phase of the war in Ukraine, but how he plans to use it remains an open question. Trump vowed during his inaugural address on January 20 to be a "peacemaker" and promised on the campaign trail to quickly end the war in Ukraine, the recipient of billions in U.S. military aid. But his more transactional approach to diplomacy has also led to fears he could cut a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine's head. "There is still concern that Trump will reach a deal…