In 8 cases out of 10, Putin outplayed Trump: what the diplomatic game in Alaska hides
18 August 19:10
ANALYSIS FROM 
The summit in Alaska between US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has caused a wave of assessments both in the Kremlin and in the West. Russian propagandists call the summit “a return to full-fledged dialogue” and emphasize that Putin has demonstrated the US’s willingness to discuss not only Ukraine but also a wider range of issues. At the same time, experts point out the psychological advantage of the Russian leader, who often outperforms Trump thanks to his team of advisors. American media and diplomats emphasize Trump’s pressure on Ukraine and his attempt to impose on Kyiv a vision of the end of the war that is favorable to Moscow. Does this mean that Putin remained the “winner” of the summit without making any serious concessions, and what are the implications for Ukraine and the Western alliance?
What psychological and diplomatic mechanisms influenced the dynamics of the negotiations and can the upcoming dialogue lead to real changes in the region?
The Kremlin’s telegram channels have published the first assessments of the summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin that took place in Alaska. According to Moscow, the meeting was a diplomatic success for the Kremlin, although even there they admit that expectations were higher.
Russian propaganda emphasizes that the key result was the holding of the talks. For the Kremlin, it was important to show that the United States is ready to receive Putin at the highest level and discuss with him not only Ukraine but also a wider range of issues. Moscow presents this as a return to a “full-fledged dialogue” after years of isolation.
Putin and Trump: different emphases, but common pressure on Ukraine
Kremlin commentators write that Putin sought to convey to Trump “the historical causes of the conflict in Ukraine.” However, according to them, the American president did not show much interest in this topic.
Part of Putin’s entourage insisted on the economy, but he decided to focus on the Ukrainian issue,” Kremlin telegram channels write.
However, after the meeting, CNN journalists wrote that during his meeting with the President of Ukraine, Trump would try to impose Putin’s ideal vision of ending the war on Zelenskyy. Moreover, US President Donald Trump is increasing pressure on Kyiv ahead of talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders on Monday, CNN reports. He is demanding that Ukraine agree to the terms of ending the war with Russia, while repeating some of the Kremlin’s messages.
European diplomats told the publication that during previous contacts, Putin called on Ukraine to cede part of Donbas, which his army has not been able to fully capture in more than three years of war.
Zelenskyy is practically unable to accept this – not from a political, constitutional, economic, or strategic point of view. His troops have suffered heavy casualties defending farmland and cities that are considered a bulwark against future Russian aggression,” CNN writes
“Putin’s Triumph in Alaska”: Politico analyzes the Russian dictator’s meeting with Trump
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin was pleased with his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska. According to Politico’s international columnist Jamie Dettmer, Putin got the most out of the summit without making any major concessions.
From the moment the two leaders arrived at the air base near Anchorage, their public interactions appeared friendly: Trump applauded Putin, they exchanged smiles, tapped each other on the shoulder , and chatted animatedly on the red carpet.
Later, an unexpected moment occurred: after a demonstration flight by the US military, despite protocol, Putin got into the US president’s car to drive to the summit site together.
According to Politico, the Russian dictator looked quite pleased. And this is no accident. The preparations for the meeting were accompanied by numerous warnings from diplomats and experts who feared that Putin would “outsmart” Trump, impose conditions favorable to Moscow, advance his goals for Ukraine, and split the Western alliance.
Although this did not happen-Ukraine, according to Politico, was not “sold” behind the scenes of the negotiations-Putin, according to the columnist, still got his way. He, wanted for war crimes, was welcomed on American soil not as an outcast but as a “friend.”
Putin got all of this without agreeing to any serious concessions, including a ceasefire, and left Anchorage without agreeing to a truce. At the same time, during a joint press conference, Trump said that his Russian counterpart seemed to be trying to save thousands of lives. Obviously, not so much,” the article says.
Moscow wanted more from the Alaska summit
Meanwhile, the Kremlin admits that no breakthrough agreements have been reached. They only talked about the “contours of the future peace” and discussed sanctions, both against Russia and “secondary” restrictions on its partners. At the same time, even Russian commentators urge not to draw too optimistic conclusions.
It is noted that a longer one-on-one meeting was originally planned, but in the process, the organization was changed and even the planned lunch was canceled. According to Kremlin sources, Putin and Trump had to speak English on the way to the summit. This allegedly created some discomfort for the Russian leader, although it is emphasized that he is “fluent in the language.”
Propaganda assessments emphasize that it is good that the meeting took place. However, there is also a note of disappointment: “it could have been better.”
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Putin outplayed Trump in 8 cases out of 10: psychologist assesses talks between dictator and US president
Psychologist and polygraph examiner Dmitry Popov in an exclusive commentary for
According to the expert, it’s not about the Russian dictator’s personal abilities, but about the powerful psychological service that works for the Kremlin.
Putin’s team… in general, the Kremlin has experienced psychologists who could analyze Trump himself and even manipulate him. This happens all the time – those who pretend to be the country’s leader get advice from these specialists,” Popov said.
The expert emphasized that his conclusions are based on his own experience of communicating with Russian specialists before 2014.
“I will say that the psychological service there is very strong. There are enough highly qualified specialists there, and these services are used by both the special services and the state leadership,” added Popov.
Popov admits that this is an unpopular opinion for the Ukrainian audience, but the facts show that in the vast majority of cases, the Russian dictator is winning the psychological confrontation with Trump.
Unfortunately, in 8 cases out of 10, Putin outplayed Trump. Although he himself is a “no” negotiator. I give this credit to the experts. Unfortunately,” Dmytro Popov summarized.
The psychologist explained that the key difference lies in the styles of decision-making. Putin is not inclined to act emotionally and immediately, he consults and listens to his experts. Unfortunately, Trump is more emotional and can react impulsively.
The Alaska summit showed that even without breakthrough agreements, a meeting between the two leaders has a significant symbolic value: The Kremlin was able to demonstrate that the United States is ready to engage in a dialog with Putin. Ukraine remains at the epicenter of these maneuvers, under pressure from proposals that contradict its political and strategic interests. The summit confirmed that the real results of negotiations are often determined not only by formal agreements, but also by the skill of the teams and psychological mechanisms behind the leaders of states. After Alaska, the main question remains: can these contacts become a step towards real peace, or will they remain just a diplomatic demonstration of force?
Author – Anastasia Fedor
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