In a new interview, Balázs Jarábik examines the stakes of the upcoming Alaska summit between Presidents Trump and Putin — a meeting that could mark the most significant step in rehabilitating U.S.–Russia relations since they froze in the wake of 2016’s “Russia Gate.” While Ukraine will be a central topic, the agenda is set to range from strategic stability and arms control to Arctic security.
Jarabik discusses Trump’s hints at “territory swaps” as part of a possible war freeze in Ukraine, the months of backchannel diplomacy leading up to the summit, and the pressure Washington has exerted on Moscow through oil markets and tariffs. He assesses President Zelenskyy’s room for political maneuver, Europe’s quiet shift toward “active diplomacy,” and the risks posed by Russia’s latest breakthrough in Donbas — potentially aimed at securing stronger positions ahead of any ceasefire.