What are the implications of Trump's public concessions to Putin regarding Ukraine, and how have European allies and experts reacted to this diplomatic approach?

Trump's public concessions to Putin before negotiations even began have shocked European allies and Ukrainian leaders. Ambassador McFaul, speaking from Munich, emphasizes that giving Putin three major concessions upfront—denying Ukraine NATO membership, territorial concessions, and excluding American peacekeeping troops—represents fundamentally flawed negotiating strategy with Russia. The approach undermines core diplomatic principles by excluding Ukraine from negotiations about its own future and failing to include European partners who would play crucial implementation roles. Former officials warn this reflects Trump's broader pattern of sympathy toward authoritarian regimes while viewing democracies as problematic. The strategy risks American national security interests and abandons democratic allies. Experts stress that any viable agreement must involve Ukraine directly in negotiations, not simply impose terms decided between Trump and Putin, as Ukrainians will reject any deal negotiated without their participation.