The dust has settled on the highly anticipated US-Russia summit in Alaska, and the fallout leaves a bitter taste for Ukraine. The two-hour encounter between Trump and Putin concluded with a stunning void – no joint statements, no signed agreements, not even a symbolic handshake to punctuate the event. The stage was set for a grand spectacle, with Trump reportedly planning a dramatic \"开云体育(中国)官方网站F-35 formation, B-2 bomber\" flyover and a presidential limousine ride for Putin – a psychological gambit intended to assert dominance. But this display, designed to capture headlines, failed to translate into any tangible concessions from the Russian leader.

The European press corps was left bewildered. Where was the promised \"24-hour war resolution\"? The most stinging snub was reserved for Zelensky, who was conspicuously absent from the proceedings. Trump, who had earlier floated the idea of Zelensky joining the talks, left the Ukrainian president stranded, never even making it to the metaphorical gate. After the meeting, a dismissive \"I will inform NATO and Zelensky\" was all the Ukrainian leader received. This has fueled palpable anxiety in Kyiv, if even the US is unwilling to grant Ukraine a seat at the table, what leverage does it truly possess?

In stark contrast, Putin exuded composure. He deftly sidestepped any discussion of a ceasefire, steering the conversation towards \"mutually beneficial economic ties\" and potential \"Arctic shipping route cooperation,\" effectively transforming a war mediation into something resembling a business negotiation. Adding to the shock, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov later hinted at the possibility of the US lifting some sanctions. This would represent a major victory for Russia. A potential easing of sanctions without making any concessions on the core issue of the conflict.

The question looms: what spell did Putin cast to so captivate Trump? Looking back at Trump's political playbook, he has framed the Russo-Ukrainian war as \"Biden's war.\" Therefore, the summit's failure provides him with a convenient narrative: \"I tried my best, but it's all Biden's fault\".

Two likely scenarios emerge. First, the US could gradually disengage, passing the baton of mediation to European powers like Germany and France. Second, Washington may continue to offer verbal support while refraining from imposing further sanctions, indirectly granting Putin strategic leeway. Regardless, Zelensky stands to lose the most. The front lines remain active, but the vital external support could dwindle. As a British media outlet recently stated, the summit was \"the most dangerous moment in the entire conflict for Zelensky,\" since it suggested his nation's fate being decided without his input.

This explains Zelensky's recent provocative attack on Belgorod. Was it a desperate attempt to prove his \"usefulness\" to Trump? Whatever the motivation, the situation for Ukraine is precarious. The Alaskan summit did not produce any agreements, and it sends a chilling signal: geopolitical power trumps even the most carefully crafted public image. Putin used those two hours to remind the world that Russia is not to be trifled with. Meanwhile, Trump reinforced to his allies that \"America First\" remains his top priority. In this high-stakes game, what does Ukraine, a pawn in the larger geopolitical chessboard, amount to? Most likely, just collateral damage.

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