It has been more than twenty-five years since I first observed an official meeting between Tony Blair and Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on March 11, 2000. At that time, I noted in my diary that Putin appeared bright, focused, physically fit, with sharp eyes and a friendly smile, indicating he was not easily swayed.
The main concern then was Putin’s military actions in Chechnya, where his approach favored offense as the best defense strategy. This approach has persisted over time, spanning seven UK Prime Ministers and four US Presidents.
Volodymyr Zelensky, formerly an aspiring entertainer at the age of 22, unexpectedly rose to global prominence as a political leader and symbol of Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s unsuccessful bid for the US presidency under the Reform Party was underway.
Among these key figures in the Ukraine conflict, Putin stands out for his extensive political and diplomatic experience. This was evident at the recent Alaska summit, where Putin outmaneuvered Trump, refusing to make concessions and effectively rejoining the global stage after years of isolation.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Zelensky and others had to rely on news updates to learn about the discussions between Trump and Putin. Trump’s failure to secure a ceasefire was disappointing, but there was relief that he did not concede more territory to Putin in pursuit of a deal.
Zelensky still has the opportunity to present his case to Trump in the White House, although the global consensus favors Putin as the victor in their recent meeting. Trump, who values respect for rival leaders, may reconsider his approach after being outmaneuvered by Putin.
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In his upcoming meeting with Trump, Zelensky should prioritize privacy and communication in Ukrainian to ensure thoughtful deliberation and prevent rushed decisions. Emphasizing Putin’s untrustworthiness and urging Trump to reassess his stance will be crucial for Zelensky and European leaders supporting him.