It’s been just a week since former President Donald Trump rolled out the red carpet for Vladimir Putin in Alaska, but hopes for peace in Ukraine are already fading fast.
On August 20, Russian missiles and drones struck Ukraine in one of the heaviest attacks in over a month, killing nine civilians and damaging an American-owned factory in western Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it a deliberate strike against U.S. property, sending a strong message that Moscow isn’t ready to ease up.
Trump’s Peace Push Stalls
Trump entered the spotlight claiming he could broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. He held high-profile meetings, staged photo ops with European leaders, and hinted at breakthroughs. But on the ground, little has changed.
- Russia continues bombing civilian areas.
- Moscow refuses to offer real concessions.
- A much-hyped Ukraine-Russia summit is still nowhere in sight.
For Putin, the strategy is simple: stall diplomacy while grinding out small military gains. His top diplomat, Sergey Lavrov, has been working to divide the U.S. and Europe — a tactic that has echoes of Cold War politics.
Ukraine’s Dilemma
Zelensky is trying to keep Trump engaged but can’t accept Russia’s terms, which include handing over key parts of eastern Ukraine. Doing so would risk future attacks on Kyiv. For Ukraine, “peace” on Putin’s terms could mean losing sovereignty.
Europe Caught in the Middle
European leaders tried to pull Trump away from Putin during a meeting in Washington. They discussed possible security guarantees for Ukraine, but those plans remain vague. Without U.S. backing, Europe can’t enforce such promises.
Trump’s Shifting Stance
Trump has been inconsistent. At times, he talks about a quick ceasefire; at others, he pushes for a full peace deal — a position that favors Moscow. His offhand remarks, like suggesting Ukraine consider land swaps, reveal a lack of understanding of the stakes.
A hot mic moment even caught him telling French President Emmanuel Macron: “I think [Putin] wants to make a deal for me.”
Critics say Trump risks being outmaneuvered by Putin, much like during his trade talks with China. His reputation as a “deal maker” is at stake.
Where Things Stand
Despite bold promises, Trump hasn’t forced Putin to compromise, and Russia is showing no signs of backing down. Instead, Moscow is escalating strikes, while the White House tries to spin the situation as progress.
Peace in Ukraine is still possible, but it will require more than photo ops and political theater. As of now, Putin holds the upper hand, and Trump’s efforts look stuck.
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