World in 10 Will Alaska summit lead to a Ukraine ceasefire?
Aug 11, 2025
John Lough, a former NATO official and head of foreign policy at the New Eurasian Strategy Centre, provides keen insights into the upcoming Alaska summit. He discusses the potential for a ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomatic representation from Ukraine's leaders. Lough digs into Putin’s strategic goals, the complexities of territorial sovereignty, and the contrasting personalities of Trump and Putin. With pressures from European allies, he examines whether this high-stakes meeting can realistically lead to lasting peace.
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Putin Sought The Summit Quickly
- Putin pushed for a summit as soon as Trump returned to power.
- John Lough says Putin saw Trump as hurried to end the war and personally valuable.
Kremlin Wants Broader Security Gains
- Russia seeks recognition of a Russian zone of influence and change to Europe's security architecture.
- John Lough warns this goal goes beyond territorial deals and complicates quick bilateral solutions.
Occupied Land Viewed As Permanent
- Russia regards currently occupied Ukrainian territory as Russian and will not return it.
- John Lough says Moscow signals capacity and will to keep fighting and occupy more land.