The High-Stakes Meeting: Trump, Putin, and the Future of US-Russia Relations

In an upcoming summit, US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin will meet to discuss tensions related to Ukraine. The meeting, set for August 15 in Alaska, is anticipated with low expectations but high anxieties. While Trump advocates for a ceasefire, his broader agenda seems to encompass a potential US-Russia reset.

Critics express concern over the absence of Ukrainian and European participation, especially with potential deals on the table, such as a Trump-Putin-Zelensky summit. The absence of key stakeholders raises doubts about the efficacy and fairness of any agreements relating to Ukraine's territorial integrity and security assurances.

The meeting might yield significant geopolitical implications as Trump hopes to realign global alliances. However, analysts caution that the outcomes could pressure Ukraine's President Zelensky into unfavorable positions, as Russia maneuvers to reinforce its power amid ongoing military successes.

(With inputs from agencies.)