On August 8, the Center for Public Analytics "Vezha" hosted a summary panel featuring Valeriy Klychok, public figures, experts, and military personnel. The main topic was the possibility of a meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and complex global politics.
Participants discussed conflicting reports about such a meeting. Experts noted that currently, most statements about the meeting come from Russian sources, while U.S. officials have not issued definitive information. There was skepticism about the significance of such a meeting, since no clear agenda is present and no substantive agreements have been announced at the diplomatic level.
The main risks highlighted by the panel include using the meeting for information campaigns, manipulating public opinion, and potentially imposing disadvantageous ceasefire terms on Ukraine. The role of pro-Russian channels in shaping narratives and pressuring Ukraine and allies was also discussed.
A separate part of the discussion focused on how this meeting could affect the course of the war and the growing influence of China, which increasingly treats Russia as a proxy power. The panel stressed that U.S. and EU support for Ukraine is long-term and strategic, aiming to contain Russian influence.
Panelists also addressed sanctions policy toward Russia and its trading partners, notably India, potential changes in weapons supplies to Ukraine, and drew analogies to the Middle East conflict.
Experts agreed that Ukraine should strengthen its independence, modernize defense capabilities, and deepen international partnerships for long-term resistance. The war is unlikely to end soon, and the actions of the U.S. and Europe are aimed at effective conflict management and sustaining Ukraine.
They stressed the importance of reinforcing public resilience and recognizing Ukraine’s role in breaking the old geopolitical paradigm of conflict resolution.
