Ukraine Conflict Worsens: Trump's Summit with Putin Sparks Concerns

Burnaby, Aug 19 (The Conversation): The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has dragged into its fourth year, with relentless warfare and attacks on civilian infrastructure becoming increasingly commonplace. For Ukraine, the situation is arguably the direst it has been since 2022.

Recent events have spurred calls among global leaders to bring an end to the conflict. While U.S. President Donald Trump's meetings with both Ukrainian and Russian leaders may appear balanced on the surface, his actions have notably benefited Russia. After a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump described the summit as "very useful," even rating it "a 10" because of their positive rapport. However, the meeting failed to address Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and consequently favored Putin.

The exclusion of Ukraine and other countries from the summit has caused alarm in Kyiv and across Europe, where Russian aggression poses a direct threat. Before Trump’s assumption of power in 2025, Ukraine enjoyed a largely united front from NATO and the EU, but this unity has waned, especially following the Alaska summit.

A pivotal moment during the summit came when Trump renounced his own calls for a ceasefire, a key demand from Ukraine and its allies for any future peace negotiations. As Russia intensifies its assault on Ukrainian cities and civilians, the lack of a ceasefire is acutely damaging.

The Alaska summit also inadvertently enhanced Russia's standing internationally. Since its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has sought to sway international opinion, finding some success in certain regions. However, it faced condemnation from institutions like the UN and ICC. Hosting Putin in the U.S. while he's under an ICC travel ban undercuts these condemnations.

In response to the Alaska summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy swiftly arranged a meeting with Trump at the White House. Accompanied by European leaders such as Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron, Zelenskyy's approach aimed at preventing concessions unfavorable to Ukraine’s and EU interests. This move was partly in reaction to Trump's social media claims that peace depends on Ukraine accepting the loss of Crimea and renouncing any NATO ambitions.

Zelenskyy’s visit was carefully planned. He wore a suit, personally delivered a letter from the Ukrainian first lady to Melania Trump, and successfully appealed to Trump’s sense of self-importance. Despite Trump's evasive stance on deploying American troops to Ukraine, observers suggest that a U.S. presence would be crucial for any lasting peace.

However, any American military involvement in Ukraine contradicts Trump's campaign promise to avoid "endless foreign wars." Such actions risk alienating his political base, which is already showing cracks over his handling of other high-profile matters.

Despite cordial meetings in Washington, Trump's interrupted call to Putin highlights the enduring influence Russia wields over the situation. Trump's reluctance to commit to firm actions during his meetings with Zelenskyy and European leaders means Russia remains at an advantage, complicating the path to a lasting peace. (The Conversation)

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