Trump’s govt makes peace in Kyiv a priority

The landmark political summit between President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, set in the geographical majesty of Alaska, offered the opening scenes to what could be the long-sought path to peace in Ukraine.

- John J Metzler

Yet few genuine diplomatic observers presumed a political deal could be “done in a day” to bridge the yawning trust gap between the ongoing Russian aggression and beleaguered Ukraine.

Anchorage, Alaska, presented the dramatic opening, a scene setter for what may now follow.

Critics scoffed sarcastically when Presidents Trump and Putin met at Elmendorf Air Force Base, claiming the setting offered legitimacy to Mr Putin. The US laid out a red carpet for the Russian leader, Mr Trump warmly greeted his summit opposite. Some commentators belittled Mr Trump's “diplomatic schmoozing” in pursuit of peace in Ukraine.

But was Mr Trump expected to publicly insult Mr Putin or trip him on the tarmac only to abruptly end the carefully arranged meeting with a furious Russian about face and probably a massive air raid on Ukraine for measure? On the contrary, Mr Trump brought the parties together on American soil to begin a calibrated process towards peace.

Mr Trump controlled the choreography as he and the Russian leader strode past lines of American fighter aircraft, and then stood on a podium proclaiming “Pursuing Peace” while a massive B-2 stealth bomber and F-22 fighters just happened to roar overhead.