Ukraine versus the Alaska Summit

The Trump – Putin meeting about Ukraine took place on August 15.

As expected, nothing of substance happened because no strategy was in place.   See my previous report on August 11, The Ukraine-Russia Deadlock.

The Statements afterward were brief, and no questions were taken.

Trump must have used the word "productive" 10 times. That is a code word meaning no progress.

It’s hard to understand why Trump keeps claiming he has a good relationship with Putin. 

Either he thinks it is a good posture in front of the public, or he has deluded himself.

Putin could not care less about a relationship.  He plays it.

Trump's goal looks like a desire to just have the Ukraine issue go away so he can take credit for peace and stopping the killing.  He sees the interests of Ukraine as minor and expects them to walk away from the territory occupied by Russia. 

This is unjust and a dangerous encouragement to Putin's future ambitions.

Trump doesn't seem to care that an evil aggressor took Ukraine’s land and continues to bomb civilians.  In fact, Putin ramped up attacks the day before the meeting.  We can only suppose that it is a message of strength – that he will not make concessions.

That is the book on Putin.

I still believe a Strong Response is required, and refer again to the article I posted on  August 11 for a Strategy proposal.

Trump is working on a binge of energy. He is trying to do everything at one time. It strokes his ego to say that he personally accomplished something. He feeds off of it.

Trump has a very talented cabinet. He should use them better. Give the lead to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Ukraine. He could build a coalition with NATO countries to exert force back on Putin. I believe Rubio would do a great job if he was unleashed.

This is about stopping a man bent on further conquest.  It is not just the interest of Ukraine but the whole of Europe.

Trump’s Approach is unfocused. He wants to have a solo act and control all issues. A good manager uses the strengths of his staff and gives them the credit.

David Hollaender                                                         August 16, 2025

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