Consider This from NPR Trump and Putin are set to meet. Do they want the same thing?
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Aug 12, 2025 
John Bolton, former National Security Advisor during the Trump administration, shares his insights on the upcoming meeting between Trump and Putin. He discusses Trump's quick assessment of Putin's intentions regarding Ukraine and the implications of their past encounters. Bolton highlights Trump's hopes for a resolution and the risks of boosting Putin's global stature without Ukraine's involvement. Tension runs high as they navigate the delicate dynamics of diplomacy, with potential outcomes that could reshape U.S. foreign policy significantly.
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Helsinki Summit Shifted Trump's Public Stance
- Bolton recalls the 2018 Helsinki summit where Trump publicly questioned U.S. intelligence on election interference after meeting Putin.
- That episode shows how closed-door meetings transformed Trump's public stance on Russia.
Personal Chemistry Drives Trump's Diplomacy
- John Bolton says Trump treats international relations as personal relations between heads of state.
- That mindset makes Trump rely on quick personal judgments rather than detailed policy briefs.
Summit Could Favor Putin's Strategic Goals
- Bolton argues the Alaska summit benefits Putin as much as Trump and gives Putin an opportunity to regain initiative.
- If Putin secures U.S. disengagement, it would be a strategic victory toward reasserting Russian influence.