Waiting for Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska, know who has the upper hand
Trump and Putin Meet in Alaska: We can predict the possible result of the meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin tomorrow by examining the history of their talks so far. The two presidents met mostly during Trump’s first term (2017–2021), but the situation was different at the time. When the two presidents meet in the case of a conflict between Russia and Ukraine, it will be interesting to watch whether an agreement is reached or if things become worse.
How have meetings between Trump and Putin gone historically?
G20 Summit, July 7, 2017
The first official meeting between Trump and Putin took place in Hamburg, Germany, and lasted for two hours and fifteen minutes. Ukraine, Syria, and claims of Russian meddling in the 2016 US elections were all discussed. Their first official encounter went well, and Putin denied any involvement. But Russia had a diplomatic advantage thanks to Trump’s kind remarks and Putin’s solid position.
The 2017 APEC Summit on November 10
Trump and Putin had a brief encounter in Vietnam. The two presidents spoke about Russian meddling in the 2016 elections once again in their exchange. Trump said that, in contrast to the conclusions of US intelligence services, he trusts Putin’s denial. His remark caused an uproar in the United States and was seen as a diplomatic advantage for Putin.
Helsinki Summit, July 16, 2018
The most talked-about Trump-Putin encounter in Finland was this one. In a joint news conference with Putin, Trump said that he believes Putin’s denial of Russian meddling in the 2016 elections, which was a falsehood to US intelligence services. Although Putin undoubtedly gained a diplomatic triumph in this meeting, Trump’s reputation suffered, and the US saw harsh criticism.
G20 Summit, December 1, 2018
Trump cited Russia’s seizure of Ukrainian navy ships as the basis for calling off the summit that was supposed to take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina. But at a private meal, the two leaders engaged in casual conversations. Although the informal discussions boosted Putin, Trump’s decision to call off the summit placed pressure on Russia.
G20 Summit, June 28, 2019
During the 2016 elections, Trump and Putin met in Osaka, Japan. At one point, the topic of Ukraine and election meddling came up. “Don’t ‘interfere in the elections,'” Trump joked. Following the publication of the Mueller probe, which verified Russian meddling, they met. Trump’s lighthearted remarks throughout this conversation demonstrated a lack of seriousness, while Putin’s position remained firm.
February 12, 2025 Talking but not meeting
At the beginning of his second administration, Trump had formal discussions with Putin. Ukraine, the Middle East, energy, and other topics were covered in what Trump called a lengthy and fruitful discussion. The two presidents discussed resolving the conflict in Ukraine and traveling to each other’s nations. As Trump applied pressure to Russia, Putin sparked expectations for a summit, but the discussion remained balanced.
Alaska, August 15, 2025
The goal of this summit is to put an end to the conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected it since Ukraine was left out, despite Trump calling it a significant step. It’s hard to predict what will happen next because of Trump’s intermittently shifting pronouncements and discussions with European nations.
Trump lost to Putin in every way
In the majority of the encounters, Putin benefited diplomatically, particularly in Helsinki, when Trump’s remarks undermined his own intelligence services. Putin’s resoluteness and calculated quiet improved Russia’s standing internationally. Trump faced internal criticism for his repeated attempts to establish friendly ties with Putin. Only twice, with the 2018 meeting cancellation and the current pressure on Russia, did Trump’s stance change. Putin often held the upper hand in the six meetings and one phone conversation between Trump and Putin, particularly because of Trump’s divisive comments and Putin’s diplomatic skills. Since Trump’s proposed territorial concessions benefit him while raising concerns among Ukraine and its allies, there is reportedly little pressure on Putin with regard to the Alaska negotiations as well.