Defying the fears of European allies, President Donald Trump is pushing ahead with a controversial summit with Vladimir Putin next week, confirming he will meet the Russian leader even without Ukraine’s president at the table. The decision has heightened concerns that a deal will be struck that compromises Ukrainian sovereignty.
The meeting is set for August 15 in Alaska. Trump has been bullish about its prospects, suggesting a peace agreement is imminent. His hints about a deal involving a “swapping of territories” have been particularly alarming to allies, who see it as a potential reward for Russia’s nearly four-year-long invasion.
The U.S. president’s unilateral diplomatic approach contrasts with the coordinated economic actions of his allies. As Trump prepared his announcement, Canada, the UK, and the EU worked together to lower the price cap on Russian oil, a move designed to collectively punish Moscow.
While Trump believes he can broker a fair deal, many fear he will be outmaneuvered by Putin. The Institute for the Study of War has assessed that Putin’s goal is to engage the U.S. bilaterally to get concessions, effectively sidelining Ukraine and the EU. Trump’s decision to proceed with a Putin-only meeting seems to play directly into this alleged strategy.
Trump Defies Allies’ Fears, Pushes Ahead with Putin-Only Summit
