The anticipation surrounding the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska was palpable among Americans, Europeans, and the Ukrainian people, who all hoped it would pave the way for a peace deal in Ukraine. However, as many skeptics, including myself, predicted, the summit did not meet these expectations.
Instead, it turned into a highly predictable failure.
A Summit That Validated Aggression
The Alaska Summit, rather than fostering peace, inadvertently validated President Vladimir Putin’s dictatorial methods and the credibility of his invasion of Ukraine. Prior to the summit, Ukraine launched drone strikes on Russian oil refineries. Russia is assessing that they have offensive momentum. Given this, they would not have any incentive to end the war.
A Game of Ego and Influence
President Trump found himself ensnared by Putin’s narrative when he reiterated that the Ukraine war would not have started if he had been in office. This assertion, though debatable and largely irrelevant, seems to have played into Trump’s ego. If Trump indeed possessed the influence that Putin attributed to him, he would ostensibly use it to bring about an end to the conflict.
Moreover, Putin cleverly exacerbated tensions between the U.S. and Europe, a move that played into the hands—and ego—of President Trump.
Putin’s True Intentions
To those not enthralled by dictatorial power, it is clear that Putin has no real intention of seeking peace. Putin’s manifesto is clear, and it does not include backing down or giving up territory. His strategy with the U.S. likely involves stalling efforts that could introduce more severe sanctions against Russia.
Consolidation Without Meaningful Concession
Putin aims to consolidate these perceived victories while avoiding any meaningful concessions. While diplomatic engagements may continue, they will likely lack substantive results.
The Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti, under Putin’s control, celebrated the summit by claiming negotiations favored Russia and hinted at a Ukrainian surrender. This exaggeration reflects Putin’s thinking and his belief that the summit tilted in his favor.
Feckless Diplomacy and Novice Leadership
The summit showcased a feckless diplomatic strategy led by inexperienced national security leaders. America’s display of B-52 bombers did little, if anything, to faze Putin or alter his course.
Instead, the encounter underscores the necessity for diplomacy grounded in realism and devoid of personal glorification. To think that Putin is going to be intimidated by US fire power is a huge miscalculation.
In conclusion, the summit served as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in seeking peace amidst ongoing conflict and highlights the critical need for seasoned, strategic leadership in international relations. The Alaska Summit, rather than fostering peace, validated President Vladimir Putin’s dictatorial methods and the credibility of his invasion of the Ukraine.
Donald C. Bolduc