By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The high-stakes summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage concluded without a cease-fire agreement in Ukraine, despite Trump’s pre-summit intentions. The two leaders engaged in a closed-door session followed by a joint appearance where both expressed optimism and a desire for resolution, emphasizing mutual respect. While Putin signaled Russia’s interest in ending the conflict, he also stressed that any progress should not be hampered by Europe. The meeting ended with an acknowledgment of an “understanding” but no formal agreement.
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Donald Trump Leaves Vladimir Putin Summit Without a Deal in Hand, and it’s hard to say anyone was surprised. The whole setup felt like a theatrical performance, an expensive one at that. It’s almost as if we could have predicted the outcome a week in advance, saving everyone the trouble and the taxpayer the expense. The “ultimate dealmaker,” as he’s often touted, didn’t deliver. This summit, or whatever you want to call it, was just another photo op, a chance for the world to watch the same show we’ve seen before.
The air around this meeting felt thick with anticipation, or maybe dread. The fact that Trump and Putin were even meeting was a red flag for many. When reports surfaced that they even shared a ride in Trump’s armored limousine, it’s easy to imagine intelligence analysts wincing. It’s also easy to imagine that every listening device the KGB could get their hands on was installed. The world was on edge, waiting for the inevitable.
As the summit unfolded, the rhetoric took a predictable turn. Putin, speaking clearly and at length, while Trump appeared, well, old and tired. This contrast was hard to ignore and highlighted the power imbalance. The moment Putin started rambling about historical connections, many wondered if we were on the brink of a shocking announcement.
Some saw the summit as a colossal waste of time and money. It’s a sentiment that’s hard to argue with, especially when you consider the potential consequences. There’s a strong sentiment that Putin got exactly what he wanted: an opportunity to breathe and regroup. The former president, often referred to as a “master negotiator” had no victory to claim.
Meanwhile, the alternative news feeds have a hard time believing what they see. They’re cheering Trump on, claiming he “dominated” Putin. The fact that there was no deal to be had clearly eludes them. They’re just creating fantasies, lost in their own narratives. It’s a world apart from reality.
The absence of a deal isn’t just a missed opportunity; it’s a reflection of the underlying dynamics. It’s a reminder that the complexities of international relations can’t be solved in a single meeting. To many people this feels like an attempt to distract from more serious issues. The persistent refrain is to release the Epstein files, and this is no longer a side note, it is the main concern.
One of the most critical takeaways from this whole affair is the lack of trust. The lack of trust wasn’t just between the two leaders, it was between the world and this summit. There was concern about what deals had been made. No one trusts them alone together for a second.
This entire event served as a glaring reminder that it’s a dangerous world and the only people with power are the ones who have it. This was less a summit and more a show, one where Trump was getting his latest instructions from his boss.