Trump-Putin summit in Alaska: Slow defeat for Ukraine

Trump-Putin summit in Alaska: Slow defeat for Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin shows interest in talking to former US President Donald Trump about the war in Ukraine. Trump, who has become known as a real estate mogul, emphasized the importance of the location and announced that Alaska, who sold Russia to the USA for $ 7.2 million, could be a suitable place for discussions about land sale to Ukraine. These conversations could lead to Kyjiw releasing parts of his country that Putin has not been able to acquire.

The conditions of the summit

The conditions of the planned summit are strongly in favor of Moscow, which explains why Putin immediately took the opportunity after months of negotiations showed little progress. It is difficult to imagine that these bilateral conversations result in a result that does not harm Ukraine. The first ideas of Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff to persuade Ukraine to hand over the remaining areas in Donetsk and Luhansk for an armistice in an exchange, have caused horror in Kiev and among European allies.

The situation in Donetsk

Witkoff's proposal is a serious challenge for Ukraine. Russia is about to surround the key cities of Pokrovsk and Kostiannivka in Donetsk, which could bring the Ukrainian troops into a very difficult situation. It is conceivable that Ukraine will have to give up these cities to protect their strength in the coming months. The situation in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, where many civilians live, could become even more problematic. Moscow would use the opportunity to take over the cities without giving a shot.

Reactions from Ukraine

The Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj announced early on not to give land. His attitude reflects the difficulties with which a head of state is confronted when it comes to managing the military's anger and the deep -seated distrust of the Ukrainian population towards Russia. Ukraine could possibly get small border areas that are occupied by Russia, but the realistic view of further area gains are very low.

The risks of a possible agreement

An important goal remains an ceasefire, but Putin has long explained that the immediate demand for an armistice that comes from the USA, Europe and Ukraine is impossible, since technical work for monitoring and logistics must first be done. The European countries also have concerns about risking a misjudgment similar to that of the former British Foreign Minister Neville Chamberlain in 1938.

Putin's strategy

Putin clearly outlined his goals from the start: the complete submission or occupation of Ukraine and a strategic reset with the USA, in which Washington Kiev drops more or less. With an upcoming meeting, he has the opportunity to discuss economic cooperation between Washington and Moscow, and there are already signs that another meeting in Russia could be planned.

Trump and the geopolitical dynamics

There is a risk that we will observe a certain familiarity between Trump and Putin, which could enable the US President, in favor of Moscow, to allow subsequent negotiations on a possible ceasefire. If a plan is presented via the change of area that is in favor of Moscow, Kiev could put pressure on the deal, accompanied by old US ultimate about aid and intelligence cooperations.

Conclusion

The geopolitical tensions in front of the planned summit remains high. Trump has indicated that his views have changed over Putin, but could still be influenced by the memories of previous political maneuvers. While the situation in Ukraine is coming, the prospects for a peaceful solution are uncertain and require careful considerations from both sides before a potential deal comes about. The coming days up to the summit could be decisive for the future of Ukraine.