The video conference call of the “Coalition of the Willing” supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, August 13, 2025
EA on International Outlets: Anticipating Trump-Putin Meeting on Russia’s Ukraine Invasion
UPDATE, AUG 15:
I joined Poland’s TVP World on Friday morning for a 13-minute preview of the meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
I consider the possibilities from Trump holding the line set by Ukriane President Volodymyr Zelensky and European partners — ceasefire as a priority and no concessions over Russia’s attempt to annex territory — to Trump’s capitulation to the demands of Putin.
I discuss variables such as the make-up of the US delegation and the agenda of the day, beginning with an opportunity for Putin to spin Trump in a one-on-one meeting with no officials present.
UPDATE 0725 GMT:
On Wednesday, I joined Talk TV’s Petrie Hosken for a 18-minute deep dive into the position after the Zelensky-Europe call with Donald Trump and before Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin on Friday.
I begin by setting out Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s five principles for a resolution of Russia’s invasion and then consider whether Trump will maintain or give away that line.
I emphasize that even if Trump returns to Putin’s pocket, it is not a “deal”. Instead, it returns us to the position earlier this year when the Trump Administration cut assistance to Kyiv — and when Europe and the international community had to step up to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.
Watch from 7:28:
ORIGINAL ENTRY: After Wednesday’s call between Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, nine European leaders, and Donald Trump, I joined France 24 English to assess if Kyiv and its partners have taken the diplomatic and political high ground, ahead of Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin on Friday.
While noting the skillful maneuvers of Zelensky and the Europeans, I warn the progress with Trump can quickly be undone if Putin can manipulate the reality TV star’s ego.
We know that Donald Trump listens to the “last person in the room”. So will he maintain this line on Friday, when the Kremlin has its opportunity to spin him?
European leaders know Trump is unpredictable. They know that in 2018 he caved to Putin and even chose Putin over US intelligence services.
Much could depend, I note, on whether other high-level US officials are involved in the talks or whether Putin can work on Trump one-on-one.
I also set out the priority of a ceasefire and the vision of Zelensky and Europe, accepting a short-term Russian occupation of part of Ukraine but ensuring that the rest of the country can build itself up economically and militarily with firm security guarantees.
