Trump, facing failed “sanctions from hell” threats and lacking leverage, sought a meeting with Putin as a way to escape a political corner. Russia, eager to appear reasonable to allies like China and India, agreed — seeing value in restoring normal diplomatic ties, even if no real deal is possible. U.S. military aid to Ukraine continues, but analysts argue the West lacks weapons, industrial capacity, and manpower to sustain the war effort, leaving much of the public narrative as propaganda.

Putin is bringing an unusually large, high-level delegation to Alaska, signaling readiness for serious talks beyond Ukraine — including Arctic cooperation, economic projects, and arms control — while Trump frames the event as a setup for a more decisive “second meeting” that may never happen. Russian advisers plan to appeal to Trump’s transactional, deal-making image with offers of economic cooperation, though such agreements would likely be nonbinding and risky for U.S. firms.

Many see Trump’s threats of renewed sanctions as bluster aimed at domestic audiences. The chances of Putin meeting Zelensky are viewed as near zero unless Ukraine capitulates entirely. Overall, Russia appears prepared for substantive negotiations, while Trump’s strategy seems more about optics and buying time than reaching a concrete settlement.

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