I must confess that the two-hour discussion held by Danny Haiphong with Pepe Escobar then Marc Sleboda goes well beyond any synopsis I might personally provide.
I was looking forward to your post-summit comments and you didn’t disappoint, Karl. Thanks.
The world just witnessed an extraordinary event. It was conceived and executed in the blink of an eye. But the ongoing geopolitical ripples coming from this meeting could be large and/or long lasting. Historic-level gamesmanship from both sides.
I just love it that immediately following his meeting with Trump, Putin flew directly to take a meeting with one of Russia’s far-eastern governors. Like the meeting with Trump was just another item he sandwiched into his busy schedule. Brilliant optics. Putin effectively said that any business to do with his meeting with Trump could wait until he returned to Moscow. But right now, he had important matters to discuss with the governor of a Russian state that few people have heard of.
I ran across this John Helmer interview on Reason2Resist that was the first thing I've heard that offers an explanation of the whole Trump-Putin visit. John Helmer does have his sources, and the scenario is plausable, but I don't know if any of it is accurate; we'll see as events play out. Basically, Witkoff asked on behalf of Trump for Putin to give him a way out of Ukraine that wouldn't place the blame for the loss on Trump. There's a lot more, so I suggest listening to the whole thing. It's about an hour.
This would certainly explain a lot about the meeting. It would also explain why it was so short. They got the job done, and ended it before something undid their work. It also would perfectly explain the text of Putin's 8 and a half minute speech at the meeting, and Trump's kind of rambling response. All Trump wanted to do was talk long enough to be credible without saying anything that might disrupt what Putin laid the groundwork for. The reason Putin's speech was so perfect for this role is that he and his team had a week or two to write it, rehearse it, and perfect it.
I am very hopeful that this is true. And it IS consistent with Trump's and Vance's actions since his inauguration. If it is true, and the plans come to fruition, then the world could very well get past the SMO without nuclear weapons being fired.
What SHOULD happen after that of course is that Putin and Trump would then be candidates for a JOINT Nobel Peace Prize. I suspect that Putin would be just as happy to forfeit his part of that ... honor.
IMO, neither China nor India need any help as they’re standing up for themselves as they should. When looked at closely, the Collective Western Empire is busy plundering itself as the Global Majority doesn’t just merely resist but rejects.
Thank you for your analysis. I love the 'scrappy' governor of Chukotka!
Regarding the summit, I have a different point of view. For me, the summit was needed by Trump for domestic political reasons. I felt that he was using the summit to nullify or pacify warmongers in the Senate, e.g., Lindsey Graham. I didn't understand how this was going to work, but apparently it did! I asked Grok what Lindsey Graham said about the Alaska Summit after it was completed. This is what it said:
Despite the summit's lack of a deal, Graham highlighted a potential trilateral meeting (involving Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy) as a major positive outcome. He described it as: “That's the biggest breakthrough of the night. I've never heard that before. If we have that meeting, I think there will be an honorable and just end of this war before Christmas.” He reiterated this optimism on social media and in interviews: “If there's a trilateral meeting between President [Trump], [Ukrainian] President [Volodymyr] Zelensky and Putin, then I am cautiously optimistic that this war will end well before Christmas.”
Graham praised Trump's role in securing Putin's apparent agreement to the trilateral talks: “Graham said that Trump's portrayal of Putin agreeing to such a meeting was the greatest success of the meeting in Alaska.” He called the development “earthshattering” and added: “I've never been more hopeful this war can end honorably and justly than I am right now.”
End of Grok's analysis.
So the summit worked! Graham's "bone crunching sanctions" will not need to be implemented. The Senate has calmed down. The Donald has a reprieve 'till Christmas...
Yes, I confess to omitting Trump’s domestic motivations for the Summit. The Sunday propaganda shows will be filled with invective, IMO, and little joy that a step toward global peace was made will be noted.
The Alaskan region contains some of the best seafood in the world and yet to the best of my knowledge Trump never offered the Russian delegation dinner. This despite Putin bringing along his own food taster.
Trump I'm certain underneath was delighted with proceedings. He was unable to exhibit his true feelings remaining sombre throughout. This optic was likely for US Deep State consumption, butt-hurt and ready to pounce on any zeal Trump expressed.
Putin works harder than Trump plus the US Congress combined, who are too busy raising campaign finances for their next term to get anything concrete done.
Putin requested that Kellogg not be present and I'm sure Trump reciprocated that Medvedev be absent.
Lastly of the 9 photographs in the link Gerasimov is pictured only once in number 2. He's not in focus either but you can be certain he wore his customary dead-pan expression, his red nose and bleary eyes masking his unparalleled military genius. Do not sit at the poker table with Gerasimov.
Why was it that Vlad made all of the concessions to Trump. It’s almost as if Putin told Donald that if you want our help it’ll be done our way or no way at all. IOW’s Putin told Donald making peace with you won’t stop us from being best friends with China and the BRICS++. Trump looked so overwhelmed by it all and Putin let it appear to be that way very graciously . Next time in Moscow in English for the world to see was the icing on the cake
We only know what was said in pubic. All the private discussions are mostly remaining private. I note the today Sputnik had this headline: “Rubio: Putin is Key Player on Global Arena So US Needs to Negotiate With Him.” But he also lied the BigLie during his media performance as Sputnik noted: “The United States is not a party to the conflict in Ukraine”—it was the instigator. Trump’s team continues to try and reverse that fundamental Truth, which I won’t let die. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250817/rubio-putin-is-key-player-on-global-arena-so-us-needs-to-negotiate-with-him-1122637616.html
“The US is not a party to the conflict in Ukraine but is the only country in the world that is currently able to effectively contribute to ending it “ if true why didn’t Trump end it day one like he promised? Witkoff basically said the same thing that Rubio said that the US acts strictly as a mediator. I guess that that’s Trump narrative and the sycophants dance to that tune. Tomorrow’s meeting should be entertaining you think?
To be a neighbour has shocked and stunned the planet politic.
Its magnificence dwarfs the tiny hearts and minds of the Deranged Old Money of Europe but will they seek revenge at the slight or decide to do business?
Minor eddy in all this swirling of global currents: Putin's hop across the Behring Straight to give attention to the national housework shed light on the relation between that particular far eastern oblast and a particular region liberated by the SMO. It illustrated the practical principal of municipal mutuality. Half a world away, an administration with "no permanent roads, and there is no railway." ... everything we can do ourselves, we should do ourselves." helps a war-damaged region.
"We are actively working on our sponsored territory in Novoluganskoye, Donetsk Republic.
Difficult territory. We see our goal as providing people with the necessary infrastructure. Unfortunately, everything there was destroyed by the enemy. This year there was light, now we are working to ensure that there is water, should appear this year. And of course, we repair buildings. Very close to the front line." {only liberated on 25 July 2022.}
I'd be interested to know how much, if any, of the proceeds of "one of the largest copper mines in the world and contributes to a quarter of the Russian Federation's copper production." is retained by its local administration.
thanks karl! i liked this quote from putin and want to highlight it -
"I agree with President Trump, who said today that Ukraine's security must be ensured. Of course, we are ready to work on this.
I hope that the understanding we have reached will bring us closer to that goal and pave the way for peace in Ukraine."
if you take putin at his word, he is interested in the security needs of ukraine and this shadows the issue russia has articulated all along - the security needs of all the players has to be taken into consideration which would include russia.. this hasn't happened.. in fact nato has never expressed any interest in this.. until nato changes or ceases to exist, this has to be addressed.. but i like how putin put in in relation to ukraine.. it is the same for russia and nato has not addressed it..
Hats off to you and thank you. This is very well done, It is a fine and informative contrast to the propaganda that I just read at the New York Times. (I'm going to post a substack of that as a study in propaganda later today)
Since I’m at my Mother-in-law’s, I saw/heard an ABC report on the Summit where instead of yammering they ought to have played the 12-minutes of remarks made by Putin and Trump—they are so fearful of people hearing the actual words uttered that they cannot control.
My article includes also highlights from Al Mayadeen’s interview with Ali Larijani and from the latest speech of Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, both worth a read, as a civil war may erupt in Lebanon by the end of this year or beginning of next.
Some people retain a strong belief that Trump is taking on the "City" and its many agents of chaos and subversion. The apparent leash that the zionists appear to have on Trump has produced some profoundly distasteful moments that should mitigate this belief. And then there's the background happenings with a total information blackout, leaving tea leaf reading, body language analysis. and arcanum. It seems that Putin has signed an order re: Exxon Mobil and Sakhalin-1, so there's that, another sign of Russia's goodwill.
It remains that for Trump to succeed the neocons must be ousted, and it seems they will only go out feet first. So, it seems set that in the west there will be more than figurative blood letting, one way or the other. I'm sure that Zelensky has outlived his usefulness, and he knows it.
re: Exxon Mobil and Sakhalin-1, if Trump can get enough multi-nationals on his side, slavering over Russian contracts, he might be able to get the Senate/Congress to go along with him. Depends on how many *senators/congressmen/representatives big business owns.
My apologies if I get these names wrong - not a US citizen.
I have repeatedly said that for Russia, the events in Ukraine are associated with fundamental threats to our national security. Moreover, we have always considered the Ukrainian people to be our brothers, as I have said many times. We share the same roots, and what is happening to us is a tragedy and a great pain. Therefore, our country is genuinely interested in putting an end to this.
At the same time, we are convinced that in order for the Ukrainian settlement to be sustainable and long-term, all the root causes of the crisis that have been repeatedly mentioned must be eliminated, all legitimate concerns of Russia must be taken into account, and a fair balance in the field of security in Europe and in the world as a whole must be restored.
I agree with President Trump, who said today that Ukraine's security must be ensured. Of course, we are ready to work on this.
One step is not a journey, it is the beginning, it does need a direction, or a second step. In 2 days he will play golf with russophobes, meet the men in suits President Putin describes that actually run the American empire, then meet zelensky and some european jackals at the white house. SMO continues, that tells us what we want to know.
Summit was positive, fly over of B2 and F35 was almost sporting cup final level, legendary. And the use of the Il-96, 747 and F35 jets, sniper blocking, well done special services. Meeting the orthodox archbishop and the director of the cemetery, possibly the most encouraging part. They are adequate, normal people. Respect, admiration and from all three, it cannot be staged. There is hope, and enough, good.
President Putin allowed the opportunity for trump and America to exit with some type of dignity, I do not know the motive, in fact this seems to be standard operating procedure. The Soviet Union and North Vietnam allowed this type of face saving escape in her defeat there. Unfortunately I cannot understand the reasons or motives for doing this, it is beyond my understanding of fighting and survival. Anyway my hope is raised, and yes because the summit, but because there is no ceasefire and the SMO continues. I do not believe anything America has said, tries to project. Business is another possibility to entangle the other party and enter the country or territory, in this case us. And negotiations as already proven with Iran are part of her war strategy. President Putin and his team know this, and finally I believe they do, so I am not concerned anymore.
I was looking forward to your post-summit comments and you didn’t disappoint, Karl. Thanks.
The world just witnessed an extraordinary event. It was conceived and executed in the blink of an eye. But the ongoing geopolitical ripples coming from this meeting could be large and/or long lasting. Historic-level gamesmanship from both sides.
I just love it that immediately following his meeting with Trump, Putin flew directly to take a meeting with one of Russia’s far-eastern governors. Like the meeting with Trump was just another item he sandwiched into his busy schedule. Brilliant optics. Putin effectively said that any business to do with his meeting with Trump could wait until he returned to Moscow. But right now, he had important matters to discuss with the governor of a Russian state that few people have heard of.
Yes, a very rich Russian state on the corner of the Arctic. And yes, somewhat of a special business trip--the business of peace and security.
I ran across this John Helmer interview on Reason2Resist that was the first thing I've heard that offers an explanation of the whole Trump-Putin visit. John Helmer does have his sources, and the scenario is plausable, but I don't know if any of it is accurate; we'll see as events play out. Basically, Witkoff asked on behalf of Trump for Putin to give him a way out of Ukraine that wouldn't place the blame for the loss on Trump. There's a lot more, so I suggest listening to the whole thing. It's about an hour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDZyfKvYjCk
This would certainly explain a lot about the meeting. It would also explain why it was so short. They got the job done, and ended it before something undid their work. It also would perfectly explain the text of Putin's 8 and a half minute speech at the meeting, and Trump's kind of rambling response. All Trump wanted to do was talk long enough to be credible without saying anything that might disrupt what Putin laid the groundwork for. The reason Putin's speech was so perfect for this role is that he and his team had a week or two to write it, rehearse it, and perfect it.
I am very hopeful that this is true. And it IS consistent with Trump's and Vance's actions since his inauguration. If it is true, and the plans come to fruition, then the world could very well get past the SMO without nuclear weapons being fired.
What SHOULD happen after that of course is that Putin and Trump would then be candidates for a JOINT Nobel Peace Prize. I suspect that Putin would be just as happy to forfeit his part of that ... honor.
Yes, I agree with your comments. I also hope it's true Russia asked for tariff relief for China and India as part of the agreement.
IMO, neither China nor India need any help as they’re standing up for themselves as they should. When looked at closely, the Collective Western Empire is busy plundering itself as the Global Majority doesn’t just merely resist but rejects.
thanks for sharing that link to john helmers talk with dimitri..
You're welcome. I'm glad you found it useful.
Thank you for your analysis. I love the 'scrappy' governor of Chukotka!
Regarding the summit, I have a different point of view. For me, the summit was needed by Trump for domestic political reasons. I felt that he was using the summit to nullify or pacify warmongers in the Senate, e.g., Lindsey Graham. I didn't understand how this was going to work, but apparently it did! I asked Grok what Lindsey Graham said about the Alaska Summit after it was completed. This is what it said:
Despite the summit's lack of a deal, Graham highlighted a potential trilateral meeting (involving Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy) as a major positive outcome. He described it as: “That's the biggest breakthrough of the night. I've never heard that before. If we have that meeting, I think there will be an honorable and just end of this war before Christmas.” He reiterated this optimism on social media and in interviews: “If there's a trilateral meeting between President [Trump], [Ukrainian] President [Volodymyr] Zelensky and Putin, then I am cautiously optimistic that this war will end well before Christmas.”
Graham praised Trump's role in securing Putin's apparent agreement to the trilateral talks: “Graham said that Trump's portrayal of Putin agreeing to such a meeting was the greatest success of the meeting in Alaska.” He called the development “earthshattering” and added: “I've never been more hopeful this war can end honorably and justly than I am right now.”
End of Grok's analysis.
So the summit worked! Graham's "bone crunching sanctions" will not need to be implemented. The Senate has calmed down. The Donald has a reprieve 'till Christmas...
Well played Donald.
Yes, I confess to omitting Trump’s domestic motivations for the Summit. The Sunday propaganda shows will be filled with invective, IMO, and little joy that a step toward global peace was made will be noted.
Ya gotta love the look on Trumps face in the photo. Looks like he just ate an excrement sandwich. ROFLMAO.
As I wrote, the optics were key from tarmac to end of the non-presser.
Considering the fat sack of shit loves Big Macs he probably literally did eat a shit sandwich.
The Alaskan region contains some of the best seafood in the world and yet to the best of my knowledge Trump never offered the Russian delegation dinner. This despite Putin bringing along his own food taster.
Trump I'm certain underneath was delighted with proceedings. He was unable to exhibit his true feelings remaining sombre throughout. This optic was likely for US Deep State consumption, butt-hurt and ready to pounce on any zeal Trump expressed.
Putin works harder than Trump plus the US Congress combined, who are too busy raising campaign finances for their next term to get anything concrete done.
Putin requested that Kellogg not be present and I'm sure Trump reciprocated that Medvedev be absent.
Lastly of the 9 photographs in the link Gerasimov is pictured only once in number 2. He's not in focus either but you can be certain he wore his customary dead-pan expression, his red nose and bleary eyes masking his unparalleled military genius. Do not sit at the poker table with Gerasimov.
I would play Canasta with Gerasimov, however.
Do not sit at the GO table with the Russian or Chinese team.
Unless you’re on their side.
Why was it that Vlad made all of the concessions to Trump. It’s almost as if Putin told Donald that if you want our help it’ll be done our way or no way at all. IOW’s Putin told Donald making peace with you won’t stop us from being best friends with China and the BRICS++. Trump looked so overwhelmed by it all and Putin let it appear to be that way very graciously . Next time in Moscow in English for the world to see was the icing on the cake
We only know what was said in pubic. All the private discussions are mostly remaining private. I note the today Sputnik had this headline: “Rubio: Putin is Key Player on Global Arena So US Needs to Negotiate With Him.” But he also lied the BigLie during his media performance as Sputnik noted: “The United States is not a party to the conflict in Ukraine”—it was the instigator. Trump’s team continues to try and reverse that fundamental Truth, which I won’t let die. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250817/rubio-putin-is-key-player-on-global-arena-so-us-needs-to-negotiate-with-him-1122637616.html
“The US is not a party to the conflict in Ukraine but is the only country in the world that is currently able to effectively contribute to ending it “ if true why didn’t Trump end it day one like he promised? Witkoff basically said the same thing that Rubio said that the US acts strictly as a mediator. I guess that that’s Trump narrative and the sycophants dance to that tune. Tomorrow’s meeting should be entertaining you think?
Yes. I recall Sleboda’s comment at the end of his chat with Haiphong.
To be a neighbour has shocked and stunned the planet politic.
Its magnificence dwarfs the tiny hearts and minds of the Deranged Old Money of Europe but will they seek revenge at the slight or decide to do business?
Minor eddy in all this swirling of global currents: Putin's hop across the Behring Straight to give attention to the national housework shed light on the relation between that particular far eastern oblast and a particular region liberated by the SMO. It illustrated the practical principal of municipal mutuality. Half a world away, an administration with "no permanent roads, and there is no railway." ... everything we can do ourselves, we should do ourselves." helps a war-damaged region.
"We are actively working on our sponsored territory in Novoluganskoye, Donetsk Republic.
Difficult territory. We see our goal as providing people with the necessary infrastructure. Unfortunately, everything there was destroyed by the enemy. This year there was light, now we are working to ensure that there is water, should appear this year. And of course, we repair buildings. Very close to the front line." {only liberated on 25 July 2022.}
I'd be interested to know how much, if any, of the proceeds of "one of the largest copper mines in the world and contributes to a quarter of the Russian Federation's copper production." is retained by its local administration.
You add another good question to the list I’d like answered. But the prevailing ideology was clearly presented and seconded by Putin.
thanks karl! i liked this quote from putin and want to highlight it -
"I agree with President Trump, who said today that Ukraine's security must be ensured. Of course, we are ready to work on this.
I hope that the understanding we have reached will bring us closer to that goal and pave the way for peace in Ukraine."
if you take putin at his word, he is interested in the security needs of ukraine and this shadows the issue russia has articulated all along - the security needs of all the players has to be taken into consideration which would include russia.. this hasn't happened.. in fact nato has never expressed any interest in this.. until nato changes or ceases to exist, this has to be addressed.. but i like how putin put in in relation to ukraine.. it is the same for russia and nato has not addressed it..
Yes, you see the tactic perfectly, which was the idea back in December 2021.
Hats off to you and thank you. This is very well done, It is a fine and informative contrast to the propaganda that I just read at the New York Times. (I'm going to post a substack of that as a study in propaganda later today)
Since I’m at my Mother-in-law’s, I saw/heard an ABC report on the Summit where instead of yammering they ought to have played the 12-minutes of remarks made by Putin and Trump—they are so fearful of people hearing the actual words uttered that they cannot control.
Here is my short summary and analysis of the Trump-Putin meeting: https://geopolitiq.substack.com/p/the-putin-trump-meeting-in-alaska?r=25fc37
My article includes also highlights from Al Mayadeen’s interview with Ali Larijani and from the latest speech of Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, both worth a read, as a civil war may erupt in Lebanon by the end of this year or beginning of next.
The Outlaw US Empire needs to be driven out of Lebanon and Zionists out of Palestine.
Some people retain a strong belief that Trump is taking on the "City" and its many agents of chaos and subversion. The apparent leash that the zionists appear to have on Trump has produced some profoundly distasteful moments that should mitigate this belief. And then there's the background happenings with a total information blackout, leaving tea leaf reading, body language analysis. and arcanum. It seems that Putin has signed an order re: Exxon Mobil and Sakhalin-1, so there's that, another sign of Russia's goodwill.
It remains that for Trump to succeed the neocons must be ousted, and it seems they will only go out feet first. So, it seems set that in the west there will be more than figurative blood letting, one way or the other. I'm sure that Zelensky has outlived his usefulness, and he knows it.
re: Exxon Mobil and Sakhalin-1, if Trump can get enough multi-nationals on his side, slavering over Russian contracts, he might be able to get the Senate/Congress to go along with him. Depends on how many *senators/congressmen/representatives big business owns.
My apologies if I get these names wrong - not a US citizen.
Karl, you said the paragraph on global security was quite meaningful. Could you either post it here or tell me which parag. # it is. Thanks, Susan.
Here’s the entire passage:
I have repeatedly said that for Russia, the events in Ukraine are associated with fundamental threats to our national security. Moreover, we have always considered the Ukrainian people to be our brothers, as I have said many times. We share the same roots, and what is happening to us is a tragedy and a great pain. Therefore, our country is genuinely interested in putting an end to this.
At the same time, we are convinced that in order for the Ukrainian settlement to be sustainable and long-term, all the root causes of the crisis that have been repeatedly mentioned must be eliminated, all legitimate concerns of Russia must be taken into account, and a fair balance in the field of security in Europe and in the world as a whole must be restored.
I agree with President Trump, who said today that Ukraine's security must be ensured. Of course, we are ready to work on this.
Thanks, Karl.
Putin is the Good Samaritan, gently helping Mr. Empire descend, step by step, the ladder of his decadence.
'Ladder of normality'?
Ladder to normality.
One step is not a journey, it is the beginning, it does need a direction, or a second step. In 2 days he will play golf with russophobes, meet the men in suits President Putin describes that actually run the American empire, then meet zelensky and some european jackals at the white house. SMO continues, that tells us what we want to know.
Summit was positive, fly over of B2 and F35 was almost sporting cup final level, legendary. And the use of the Il-96, 747 and F35 jets, sniper blocking, well done special services. Meeting the orthodox archbishop and the director of the cemetery, possibly the most encouraging part. They are adequate, normal people. Respect, admiration and from all three, it cannot be staged. There is hope, and enough, good.
US public opinion is in favor of a resolution, meaning the suits and Neocons are again in the minority. As I noted in another comment reply, Rubio continues to try and erase the Empire’s responsibility for the war with all that entails since it’s a Nuremburg level crime. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250817/rubio-putin-is-key-player-on-global-arena-so-us-needs-to-negotiate-with-him-1122637616.html
President Putin allowed the opportunity for trump and America to exit with some type of dignity, I do not know the motive, in fact this seems to be standard operating procedure. The Soviet Union and North Vietnam allowed this type of face saving escape in her defeat there. Unfortunately I cannot understand the reasons or motives for doing this, it is beyond my understanding of fighting and survival. Anyway my hope is raised, and yes because the summit, but because there is no ceasefire and the SMO continues. I do not believe anything America has said, tries to project. Business is another possibility to entangle the other party and enter the country or territory, in this case us. And negotiations as already proven with Iran are part of her war strategy. President Putin and his team know this, and finally I believe they do, so I am not concerned anymore.
The US reneged on its deal with Vietnam as it refused to pay the agreed upon reparations which resulted in the remaining POWs not being repatriated.
They continued to join the armed forces and fight for a government that abandoned their own, strange. It seems to me that propaganda really works.
Indoctrination here is very strong, more so now than when I was a child.