More than 25 years have passed since I observed the initial official meeting between Tony Blair and Vladimir Putin. Taking place in St. Petersburg on March 11, 2000, I noted in my diary that Putin appeared sharp, physically fit, and determined, with a friendly smile that belied his resolute demeanor.
During that time, the primary concern was Putin’s involvement in the conflict in Chechnya, where his preference for aggressive tactics was evident. This approach has persisted over the years, with seven UK Prime Ministers and four US Presidents navigating their interactions with him.
Volodymyr Zelensky, then a 22-year-old rising entertainer, could not have foreseen his transformation into a globally recognized political figure and a symbol of Ukraine’s struggle against Russia. Meanwhile, Donald Trump was grappling with an unsuccessful bid for the US presidency under the centrist Reform Party banner.
Among these figures shaping the narrative of the Ukraine conflict, Putin stands out for his unparalleled political and diplomatic expertise. This was evident at the recent Alaska summit, where he outmaneuvered Trump, refusing to concede ground. Despite his status as an indicted war criminal, Putin managed to secure re-entry into the international fold, a stark contrast to his previous pariah status, thanks to the leader of the world’s most influential democracy.
Zelensky faced the challenge of deciphering the outcomes of Trump and Putin’s talks through continuous news updates. While Trump failed to secure Putin’s agreement to a ceasefire, there was relief that he did not concede more territory in his eagerness to strike a deal.
Zelensky retains the opportunity to present his case to Trump during their upcoming meeting at the White House. However, the global consensus that Putin emerged victorious from their recent encounter will likely weigh on Trump, who must balance respect for a rival leader with avoiding being outplayed.
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Zelensky should prioritize avoiding media engagements until after his meeting, utilize Ukrainian to deliberate thoughtfully, and emphasize the untrustworthiness of Putin to Trump, who must reassess his approach to regain credibility.
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