The fallout from U.S.-Ukraine summit and its global implications

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

The U.S.-Ukraine summit ended without progress, derailing what was seen as a crucial step toward a ceasefire.

The collapse of the U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement has not only stalled negotiations but has also deepened tensions between Washington and Kyiv.

President Trump reportedly ordered a complete halt to U.S. military aid, fueling concerns that the war may become even more protracted.

European leaders meanwhile are attempting to fill the diplomatic void, proposing a peace framework that includes a one-month ceasefire on all fronts except the ground war.

However, questions remain about whether the U.S. will accept this proposal and how Moscow will react.

To help us analyze these pressing issues, we invite Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Welcome.

Also joining us online is Hannah Kim, Assistant Professor at Sogang University GSIS. Great to have you with us again.

1. (KIM) So Prof. Kim, on February 28, the summit between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents ended in failure. The U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement, which was considered the first step toward a ceasefire, has now returned to square one. What was the decisive reason for the breakdown in talks between the two leaders?

2. (DAVIS) Now to Dr. Davis, following the meeting, President Zelenskyy has been working to manage the situation through media interviews. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has ramped up pressure, even bringing up the possibility of a "regime change" in Ukraine. How likely is it that discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine will make any meaningful progress going forward?

3. (KIM) In response to the failed U.S.-Ukraine summit, world leaders held an emergency meeting on the 2nd to discuss follow-up measures. They announced plans to propose a peace negotiation framework to the U.S., including a one-month ceasefire on all fronts except the ground war. Prof. Kim, do you think the U.S. will accept this proposal?

4. (DAVIS) So with these developments concerns are growing over a prolonged war in Ukraine following the collapse of the summit. Adding to the concern, President Trump has reportedly ordered a temporary halt to U.S. military aid to Ukraine. Dr. Davis, how do you assess the future trajectory of the Russia-Ukraine war?

5. (KIM) On the other hand, some speculate that the failure of the talks could shift the balance of power in the peace negotiations in Russia's favor. Prof. Kim, could the Trump administration push harder for a peace deal that aligns more with Russia's interests—such as blocking Ukraine's NATO membership and preventing territorial recovery?

6. (DAVIS) As President Trump focuses on improving relations with President Putin, the idea of strengthening Europe's self-reliant defense is gaining traction, regardless of whether a peace deal is reached. This stems from concerns that Russia's threat could grow with tacit U.S. approval. How do you view this development, Dr. Davis?

7. (KIM) Amid ongoing Ukraine peace talks, President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have placed emphasis on their close communication, including a recent phone call. What message does this China-Russia dialogue send, Prof. Kim? Additionally, how might the U.S.-Russia rapprochement impact the China-Russia relationship in the future?

8. (DAVIS) Meanwhile, Russia continues to strengthen its ties with North Korea. On Feb. 27, President Putin met with Ri Hi-yong, Secretary of North Korea's Workers' Party. Given that such a meeting was highly unusual, analysts suggest that critical issues were discussed. Dr. Davis, what do you think was on the agenda?

9. (DAVIS) A North Korean soldier captured by Ukrainian forces has reportedly expressed a clear intention to defect. However, some speculate that it may be difficult for South Korea to bring them in solely through bilateral negotiations with Ukraine. What are the possibilities and potential challenges surrounding the repatriation of the North Korean soldier?

10. (KIM) So the U.S.-Russia peace negotiations are interconnected with North Korea-Russia, North Korea-U.S., and South Korea-Russia relations, potentially causing further turbulence on the Korean Peninsula. Prof. Kim, how should South Korea strategize its response as Ukraine peace talks unfold?