Trump questions Putin’s change ahead of summit

As the Alaska meeting nears, Trump probes whether Putin has altered his approach, reflecting tension over Ukraine and Western hopes for a peace path.

Trump questions what changed about Putin ahead of summit

President Donald Trump has begun asking Europeans and White House aides what has changed about Vladimir Putin as the Alaska summit nears. The questions, described to CNN by three people familiar with the matter, show Trump trying to gauge whether a breakthrough to end Russia’s invasion is possible. Officials say Putin’s goals in Ukraine remain largely maximalist, and intelligence assessments caution that a ceasefire could be used to regroup rather than end the fight.

European officials say there are no signs of a fundamental shift in Putin’s aims. They worry a quick, favorable deal could amount to a submission, while they also recognize that Trump might bring a different approach that could alter the dynamics of the talks. Trump has warned of “very severe consequences” if Putin is not serious about ending the war, but he has not specified what those consequences would be. The president also stressed that any negotiations should respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and its right to determine its own security guarantees.

The article frames diplomacy as a test of memory and leverage. Trump’s attempt to read Putin ahead of a face-to-face is a reminder that personal dynamics still matter in global bargaining. Yet the piece also highlights a core risk: meeting Putin without Ukrainian leadership present could be seen as rewarding Russia for ongoing aggression. Washington’s assessment portrays Putin as a hard target who believes he can pocket gains, harden his stance, and press on. That tension between a potential deal and Ukraine’s protection sits at the heart of any future policy.

The report also notes a shift in how some European allies view Trump, with some saying he now understands Putin differently. That evolution creates a fragile moment where misreads could tilt negotiations toward a fragile ceasefire rather than a durable settlement. The politics of sanctions, alliance credibility, and domestic expectations will color whatever comes from the summit and its follow-through.

Highlights

The outcome will hinge on what both sides decide in the days after the talks, not just what they say beforehand.