Americano Did Putin get the upper hand in Alaska?
Aug 16, 2025
Owen Matthews, a Spectator associate editor and seasoned Russia correspondent, offers insights into the recent Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska. He discusses how the summit may have enhanced Putin's image despite no concrete progress on Ukraine. Matthews highlights the contrasting leadership styles—Putin’s strategic precision versus Trump's improvisation. The military symbolism discussed reveals deeper tensions in U.S.-Russia dynamics, making it clear that while talks were initiated, significant hurdles remain in their relationship.
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Putin Won The Atmospherics
- Putin achieved a rehabilitation and normalization of his global standing from the meeting's atmospherics.
- Owen Matthews says the warmth and personal rapport with Trump was a diplomatic victory for Putin.
They Left Once The Photo Op Was Secured
- The Russians likely left Alaska early because they had already achieved their objective: the symbolic reset.
- Matthews argues they did not expect a substantive deal and walked away once symbolism was secured.
Deal-First Strategy Favors Russia
- Putin prefers negotiating a big political deal rather than a ceasefire first, which favors Russian battlefield gains.
- Matthews warns this approach lets Russia keep pressing militarily while talks continue.