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Trump Meets Putin. But Peace Remains Elusive.

Trump Meets Putin. But Peace Remains Elusive.

Pledge4Peace.org
Pledge4Peace.org
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On August 15, 2025, Donald Trump met Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss peace in the Russia–Ukraine war. While the summit sparked brief optimism, renewed missile and drone strikes, shifting U.S. intelligence policy, and heightening European tensions now dominate the aftermath. Experts warn Putin may be buying time; yet citizens still have a chance to shape peace through civic action and global solidarity.

Continued Fighting and Rising Tensions

Despite the diplomatic overture, violence has surged. In late September, Russia launched one of its largest aerial raids in months, launching nearly 50 missiles and over 600 drones targeting Kyiv and several Ukrainian cities, killing at least four, injuring dozens (including children), and striking civilian infrastructure across regions like Zaporizhzhia and Sumy. Reports indicate prolonged blackouts, critical energy infrastructure disruption, and concerted pressure to strain Ukraine’s resilience.

Simultaneously, the Kremlin confirmed that the U.S. already regularly shares intelligence with Ukraine and is considering expanded support by providing intelligence on Russian energy infrastructure targets. This shift signals deeper U.S. involvement in enabling precision strikes inside Russia, raising the stakes and risks of escalation.

Also in recent weeks, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed Russia has drafted a new peace proposal, previously shared with Trump at the Alaska summit. He urged a trilateral meeting involving Putin, Zelenskyy, and himself. Meanwhile, Trump has expressed disappointment with Russia’s ongoing nightly strikes, calling them “bulls-t” and acknowledging that meaningful progress remains elusive.

In parallel, Moscow reaffirmed that the conflict with the West has morphed beyond a “Cold War” into active confrontation, rejecting comparisons to frozen geopolitics and warning of intensifying tensions.

No Summit Yet, But Talks Continue

The Alaska summit ended without any formal ceasefire or peace treaty. Trump and Putin exchanged public praises but yielded no concrete commitments. Trump later stated that the burden now lies on Zelenskyy and European actors to make progress. Putin floated the possibility of a meeting in Moscow but offered no strategic concessions.

World leaders at the White House summit
(L/R) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte pose for a family photo in the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, DC. AFP

During the summit, Trump hinted that any deal might require Ukraine to concede territory or accept neutral status. Some analysts cautioned that this rhetoric has revived fears of forced land swaps.

Importantly, Zelenskyy was not part of the summit, a decision that drew criticism from European partners who warned that sidelining Ukraine undermines legitimacy.

Putin’s Strategy: Delay, Pressure, and Posturing

Many analysts interpret the Alaska summit as a classic move by Putin: use diplomacy as a veneer while continuing to flex military muscle. The consensus among think tanks is that Russia won’t commit to a peace deal until it feels structurally weakened or cornered on multiple fronts.

Belarus’s Lukashenko announcement of a “new proposal” is likely part of a broader narrative shift, signaling readiness for talks, yet anchored in demands Kyiv may find unacceptable.
Russia’s framing that the conflict is already “fiery” suggests a willingness to legitimize escalation rhetorically.

The Kremlin’s awareness of U.S. intelligence sharing moves also points to a strategic pivot: Russia may anticipate shifting U.S. support and adjust operations accordingly.

European Alarm & U.S. Policy Shifts

The U.S. pivot under Trump—centering on summits and direct diplomacy—has unsettled European nations. Many fear that sidelined European interests and lack of coordination might expose Ukraine and European stability.

In a more assertive shift, the U.S. is reportedly preparing to enable Ukraine with intelligence targeting Russian energy and infrastructure, and may supply long-range missiles. This development may force other NATO members to recalibrate their stances regarding escalation risk and alliance cohesion.

Expert Analysis: What Lies Ahead?

Trilateral Summit (Trump, Putin, Zelenskyy)
There’s ongoing speculation about a three-way meeting, possibly in Budapest or Moscow. These summits could inject pressure, but success hinges on mutual trust and meaningful concessions.

Deepening Escalation
With U.S. support increasingly overt, Russia may push harder across the front, testing Western political will and Ukraine’s capacity to respond.

Fragmented Deal-Making
A “partial peace” could emerge: Russia might demand formal control over some occupied territories, while Ukraine seeks security guarantees. Such deals may lack sustainability without inclusive public backing.

Proxy & Energy Warfare
The war may shift further to economic, intelligence, and energy dimensions—each raising the risk of escalation beyond the battlefield.

How You Can Help: Vote for Peace Now

While global leaders haggle, citizens can still shape the path forward. At Pledge4Peace.org/campaigns, you can vote on expert-backed, actionable strategies for a diplomatic resolution for Ukraine and Russia. Your voice matters, supporting initiatives for dialogue, autonomy, and lasting security could make the difference between permanent conflict and lasting peace.

The Trump–Putin summit of August 15 sparked hope, but progress has been elusive. Military escalation continues, diplomacy is stalling, and Putin remains strategically entrenched. Yet peace isn't dead, it may depend on international cohesion, public pressure, and continued civic engagement.

Vote now at Pledge4Peace.org/campaigns to affirm peace, not war; democracy, not domination; hope, not hostility.

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