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Trump Flirts with Putin Amid Ukraine Crisis

8/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Donald Trump finds himself entangled with Vladimir Putin once more, despite his tough rhetoric on Russia. After a meeting with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump signaled openness to a summit with Putin, leaving European leaders and Ukraine's president in the lurch. Critics warn that with Russian forces advancing in Ukraine, Putin has little reason to engage in meaningful negotiations.

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Story summary

Donald Trump finds himself entangled with Vladimir Putin once more, despite his tough rhetoric on Russia. After a meeting with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump signaled openness to a summit with Putin, leaving European leaders and Ukraine's president in the lurch. Critics warn that with Russian forces advancing in Ukraine, Putin has little reason to engage in meaningful negotiations.