The Intelligence from The Economist The summit of its parts: Ukraine, Trump and Putin
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Aug 11, 2025 
In this discussion, Oliver Carroll, a Ukraine correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on the complexities of peace negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the challenges of territory swaps and the vital role of the U.S. and Russia. Meanwhile, Don Wineland, China’s business and finance editor, explores how Chinese cities are fiercely competing to become leaders in electric vehicle manufacturing, revealing the strategic shifts in the automotive landscape as they pivot from petrol to electric.
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Alaska Summit Could Sideline Europe
- In Alaska, Donald Trump may broker a deal with Russia that sidelines European influence.
- That dynamic could pressure Ukraine and reshape negotiations without Kyiv at the table.
Witkoff's Russia Visit Disrupted Talks
- Steve Witkoff's trip to Russia inserted confusion into secret negotiations and changed momentum.
- His presence appears to have stalled a previously progressing deal outline.
Land-Swap Proposal Hits Ukraine's Red Line
- Russia proposed stopping fighting at current lines in other regions in exchange for more Donbass land.
- Ukraine sees this landswap as unacceptable and would face constitutional and public backlash to such concessions.