By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Zelensky has stated that Russia intends to deceive the United States during upcoming peace negotiations, vowing that Ukraine will prevent this. The statement came before an August 15th meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin in Alaska, where a Russian peace proposal involving territorial concessions from Ukraine is expected to be discussed. Zelensky emphasized ongoing communication with U.S. partners to secure peace and highlighted Russia’s lack of genuine interest in peace, citing recent attacks as evidence of its destructive goals. Allies have made it clear that any decisions regarding Ukraine must include its participation, and there is a possibility of trilateral talks with Zelensky, Trump, and Putin after the initial meeting.
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Ukraine will not let Russia ‘deceive America,’ Zelensky says ahead of upcoming Trump-Putin summit, because, let’s be honest, the situation is fraught with potential pitfalls. It’s like watching a high-stakes poker game where the fate of a nation hangs in the balance, and the main players might not have Ukraine’s best interests at heart. It’s understandable why Zelensky would be wary. The idea of these two superpowers, the US and Russia, essentially deciding Ukraine’s future without Ukraine even being at the table is unsettling, to say the least. It feels like history repeating itself, maybe a bit too closely for comfort.
The worry is that Trump, in his quest for a “deal” and a perceived legacy of peacemaking, might be susceptible to Russian manipulation. The pattern, as some see it, is all too familiar: tough talk, empty sanctions, then a cozy chat with Putin, followed by a “deal” that might involve sacrificing Ukrainian interests. The fear is that Trump might be swayed by Putin, possibly for reasons we can only speculate about, and that Ukraine could be left holding the bag.
It’s a valid concern that the fix might already be in. There’s talk of suspending the fighting, of Russia keeping the territory they’ve taken. This kind of resolution would be unacceptable to Ukraine. Ukraine’s determination to prevent this happening is clear. The stakes are incredibly high.
The fear of deception is real. The idea that Russia could manipulate Trump is at the forefront of a lot of conversations. The suggestion is that Putin might be playing Trump, using him to achieve Russia’s goals. This is made more complicated when considering the context surrounding the Epstein scandal.
And the reality is that without American support, both financial and military, Ukraine’s ability to defend itself is severely compromised. If the US pulls back its support, the equation changes dramatically. It’s a simple equation.
It’s a frustrating situation. The comments show a deep-seated cynicism about the motivations of the players involved. It is understandable to be concerned about a situation where Ukraine’s fate is being determined by others, and even more so when there are reasonable doubts about the trustworthiness of those others.
It’s not that Russia is necessarily deceiving anyone. The game here is that Putin is simply meeting Trump for his own objectives, and the goal is for everyone to see how Trump is threatening Russia. Zelensky knows that the real problem isn’t Americans being deceived by Russia. The concern is the manipulation that Putin may be doing on Trump. The concern is that Trump has fallen for Putin’s game again and again.
Trump’s potential to be swayed by Putin is a serious concern. There are those who believe that the upcoming summit is nothing more than a scheme to cut off military aid to Ukraine. There are concerns about compromising over territory. There is the potential that a deal would see Ukraine’s interest sacrificed.
The reality is that Ukraine’s future hangs in the balance. The hope is that Zelensky, and others in Ukraine, can prevent a situation where their country is forced to pay the price for a “peace” that benefits only some. The expectation is that the outcome of this summit will either be the start of a more peaceful resolution or will simply be the end of Ukraine as an independent nation.