1. The main unknown is the reason for Donald Trump's optimism.His confidence that this time he will "put the squeeze on Putin" raises questions. Trump's words that "otherwise Putin would not have offered what he offered yesterday" can be interpreted in any way — but for now, this is just speculation.2. After the meeting, Trump called on the parties to "stop where they stand now."Zelenskyy also spoke of a similar logic at a press conference. This may indicate that Trump has returned to the initial idea: first, a ceasefire along the front line, and only then, a discussion of peace terms."Such an approach looks more realistic, as no one has even begun to discuss the "root causes of the conflict" in Putin's understanding. The only way Ukraine could "help" resolve them is to surrender."Ukraine's capitulation would allow Putin to refocus on the demands he made to the U.S., Europe, and the entire West, which he started with in 2022 but was forced to postpone due to Ukrainian resistance.3. Trump's main leverage over Putin is sanctions.This primarily concerns oil: sanctions against Russian exports and buyers from China and India. Added to this is the promise to supply Ukraine with Tomahawks — as a signal of a transition to "another level of escalation."The sale of Russian oil is not currently banned. The EU has agreed on a new price cap — $47.6 per barrel, while the market price is about $47.4, meaning it's already lower. But a full embargo, if it could be genuinely implemented and controlled, could sharply collapse the revenues of the Russian budget and, consequently, reduce the ability to finance the war.4. Tomahawk as a "verbal weapon."It is unlikely that the U.S. ever seriously considered the actual transfer of these missiles. Rather, the Trump administration perceives them as a diplomatic tool of pressure — a weapon that works more powerfully when talked about than when used. Putin is hardly afraid of the missiles themselves enough to agree to a truce for their sake. But in combination with other measures — sanctions, negotiations with China, the militarization of Europe — this pressure could have some effect. Although only theoretically: over the years of war, Russia has learned to adapt quickly to any restrictions.5. It is not yet known how the meeting will end and what will happen next.We have no specifics about the results of Zelenskyy's talks with Trump, nor about his further contacts with EU and NATO leaders. But the very fact that the process is moving is a positive.Searching for ways to end the war on terms acceptable to Ukraine is always better than not searching for them at all.SourceAbout the author. Mykola Kniazhytsky, journalist, Ukrainian MP.The editors do not always share the opinions expressed by the authors of blogs or columns.