Vladimir Putin will meet with Donald Trump in Alaska.

Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to have won not just ground in Ukraine but also influence over successive U.S. presidents the latest being Donald Trump, with whom he's set to share the global stage once again.

Just a year ago, the United States was calling for Putin’s arrest over alleged war crimes, particularly the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. Then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged all 123 signatories of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to detain Putin if he stepped foot on their soil. President Joe Biden publicly backed the ICC’s warrant, calling Putin guilty.

Fast forward to today and the narrative has shifted drastically.

A Stunning Turnaround

Rather than being shunned, Putin is reportedly preparing to attend a high-level summit in Alaska not in handcuffs, but as a guest of former President Donald Trump. The move has stunned critics, who say it legitimizes Putin on U.S. soil and gives Russia a propaganda victory.

Russian state media is already framing the summit as evidence that Putin is not the war criminal the West painted him to be, but a leader welcomed back into the global fold. For Putin a former KGB operative known for psychological manipulation it’s a strategic win in both perception and power.

A Pattern of Influence

Analysts say Putin’s pattern of using flattery, misinformation, and psychological tactics has helped him outmaneuver not just Trump but four other U.S. presidents before him. His ability to shape narratives and exploit political divisions has made him a formidable player on the world stage despite sanctions and global condemnation.

While European allies continue pushing for stricter sanctions and diplomatic isolation, Trump’s invitation sends a different signal: one of re-engagement.

Ukraine’s Costly Reality

On the ground, Ukraine continues to suffer. The war now stretching beyond two years has cost the country nearly 20% of its territory. Civilians continue to face bombardments, displacement, and loss.

Trump has floated the idea of a “land swap” as part of a peace solution. But critics ask: what’s left to swap, when Ukraine has already lost vast territory under Russian aggression?

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump are set to meet for peace talks in Alaska later this week. 


Political Optics Over Peace

For Putin, the summit is a symbolic reentry to the world stage. For Trump, it’s a photo opportunity and possibly a legacy move. The former president has expressed interest in earning a Nobel Peace Prize, even as critics highlight his alignment with leaders accused of human rights violations, including Israel’s ongoing campaign in Gaza.

No Victory for Ukraine

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine continue to bear the cost of war militarily, emotionally, and territorially. The summit offers them no real gains, only the bitter reality of a war they’ve been forced to fight with limited support and growing fatigue.

In the end, the meeting may mark yet another chapter in Putin’s long game of manipulating global perception and a reminder of how power, flattery, and political theater can sometimes trump justice.