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Trump, Putin to Meet in Alaska on Aug. 15

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AUG 9

Above: Donald Trump in Phoenix, Arizona, on Feb. 19, 2020, and Vladimir Putin in Jerusalem on Jan. 23, 2020. Image copyright: Jim Watson,Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images

story last updated AUG 9

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

The Alaska summit is a crucial opportunity to finally end the devastating Ukraine conflict that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Trump's pragmatic approach acknowledges that territorial adjustments may be necessary after three years of brutal warfare, and Putin's willingness to negotiate demonstrates a genuine interest in peace. The meeting could yield the breakthrough needed to halt the bloodshed and establish stability in the region.

X New York Post

Establishment-critical narrative

This summit risks legitimizing Russia's aggression by rewarding territorial conquest and excluding Ukraine from decisions about its own future. Any deal without Ukraine's consent would defy its constitution and would not lead to lasting peace. Ukraine is ready to work with President Trump and all partners for a real, just and lasting peace — one based on respect, not imposed terms. Peace must involve Ukraine; otherwise, it will be fragile, unworkable and morally void.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X.com Global News

Cynical narrative

The upcoming Putin-Trump summit, if it takes place, may yield lofty declarations but little lasting change. Despite shifting rhetoric and battlefield momentum favoring Moscow, deep-rooted divisions and fragile political dynamics make a genuine breakthrough unlikely. For Trump, the optics of peacemaking may suffice. For Putin, holding the upper hand means patience. In the end, any agreement may prove as fleeting as Minsk-1 — setting the stage for continued conflict or another diplomatic reset.