By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In anticipation of a potential ceasefire, a high-stakes summit is set to occur between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, marking the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The summit aims to facilitate discussions towards a just peace, with Zelenskyy and European leaders notably absent from the invite list. The initial private talks will be followed by wider discussions involving key figures from both the US and Russian delegations. Trump also mentioned a positive conversation with Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin, discussing various topics including a potential visit to Alaska.
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Ukraine ‘is counting on America,’ Zelenskyy tells Trump before ‘high stakes’ summit. This statement from Zelenskyy, heading into a crucial meeting with Donald Trump, is incredibly loaded. It’s like a high-stakes poker game where Ukraine holds a weak hand and is desperately trying to bluff. The implication is clear: Ukraine understands its future hangs in the balance, and the United States, specifically its former president, holds a significant piece of that future. The phrasing, though seemingly straightforward, is a deliberate play. It’s a calculated move to appeal to Trump’s ego, to get him to even consider offering any assistance. It’s a recognition that the only language Trump understands is self-aggrandizement.
The core of the problem is that reliance on Trump is, to put it mildly, risky. History, and recent actions, suggest that Trump can’t be counted on. His track record is riddled with betrayals and self-serving decisions. The fear, and it’s a legitimate one, is that Trump might prioritize his own personal gain – a potential deal for a Trump Tower in Moscow, for example – over Ukraine’s survival. The very thought is disheartening.
It is truly unnerving that the fate of a nation, the lives of its people, is being influenced by the whims of an individual whose actions have been, to put it mildly, questionable. While Trump seems to have made this a common habit, especially when it suits his needs, it is particularly devastating that the possibility of a nation’s demise hinges on the actions of an inept leader.
The reality is that Trump is known for being easily manipulated. It is sad that a leader has to play such a game, but the situation requires it. Zelenskyy, in his position, must employ whatever tactics are necessary to try and get the support his nation desperately needs. This, of course, leads to a lot of disappointment. And it’s disheartening that in this modern era, a country’s fate is being seemingly decided by two other nations without their input. This is how it has always been, I suppose.
Many people are doubtful that Trump can actually pressure Putin. The Russian leader is experienced, informed, and competent. Trump, on the other hand, is not. This suggests that any attempt by Trump to exert influence on Putin is highly unlikely to succeed. His focus appears to be on his own self-interest.
There is a widespread concern that America itself isn’t reliable. With the current political environment, and the potential for future shifts in power, counting on the US, or any nation, is not a solid bet. The potential for a betrayal by Trump and his political allies is seen as high, which is especially concerning for Ukraine.
Trump is, to put it mildly, viewed with suspicion. The fear is that he will prioritize his own self-interest, including the possibility of a peace deal that ultimately benefits him personally. This is a common theme and the concern is that he will be motivated by personal gain and not by the needs of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy is aware that he must cater to Trump’s ego to gain any traction. This involves painting Trump in a positive light and making him feel like he is in control of the situation. The irony is that this recognition, while pragmatic, must be incredibly difficult. It’s a difficult situation, forcing him to play a game of appeasement.
Even if America’s help would be useful, the fear is that Trump will let the country down. While the US’s involvement in the war has been significant, the feeling is that Trump, with his past behaviors, is likely to fall short. One cannot, as the saying goes, count on a man like that.
Ultimately, there’s a sense of despair and the recognition that the situation is truly tragic. The future of a nation is dependent on an individual known for making self-serving decisions. This is a grim situation for the Ukrainian people.