The New Statesman: politics and culture Trump meets Zelenskyy: hope for peace in Ukraine? | Geopolitics with Katie Stallard
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Aug 19, 2025 Katie Stallard, a New Statesman writer in Washington, shares her insights on recent high-stakes diplomacy involving Ukraine. She discusses President Zelensky’s strategic choice of attire for his meeting with Trump, suggesting it was a move to project strength. The chat dives into the tense dynamics of Trump’s meeting with Putin and the intricate networks of European leaders navigating this geopolitical landscape. Can Trump's reliability be trusted? Stallard examines the potential for security guarantees and the challenges of achieving peace in Ukraine.
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Trump Shifted From Ceasefire To Final Deal
- Trump entered the Alaska summit promising to secure a ceasefire but left abandoning that demand and aiming for a final settlement instead.
- The shift suggested he was persuaded by Putin that a full deal would be more durable than a ceasefire.
Summit Staged A Global Rehab For Putin
- The Alaska meeting functioned as a public rehabilitation of Vladimir Putin, enhancing his global stature and image.
- The theatrical arrival and friendly interactions gave Putin a propaganda victory regardless of policy outcomes.
The Red Carpet Theater In Alaska
- The summit featured staged theatrics: intersecting red carpets, Air Force One, and Trump applauding Putin as he disembarked.
- They even rode together in the presidential limousine with no visible US officials besides the Secret Service.