Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The Alaska summit showed a lot of things to analysts all over the world.
The Alaska summit showed a lot of things to analysts all over the world.
What is happening?
British security and defense expert Professor Michael Clarke claims Vladimir Putin gave Donald Trump “a clear sense” that he wouldn’t hesitate to use nuclear weapons if pushed.
Clarke told Sky News that the 2025 Alaska summit between the two leaders left Trump visibly shaken — a sentiment he believes still lingers.
“Trump fears Putin”
According to Clarke, the US president is intellectually intimidated by Putin.
“Trump is afraid of him… he fears him because he thinks he could use nuclear weapons,” Clarke said.
He emphasized that this fear seems unique to Trump, despite the United States’ own global power.
Does Putin hold damaging secrets?
Clarke also shared that many retired intelligence officers suspect Putin may have compromising material on Trump — more serious than the infamous allegations involving Moscow hotel rooms.
According to Clarke, it is believed to be someting more sustainable, deeper and more finanscial, although he emphazised that these claims remain unproven.
Putin appears “in control” at Alaska summit
Observers pointed out that during the Alaska meeting, Putin projected confidence and control.
Clarke agreed with this assessment, adding that Trump seemed visibly unnerved during and after their private conversation.
Other analysts described Trump as being “very impressed” — even frightened — by Putin’s nuclear threats.
Putin may not want peace in Ukraine
Speaking to Fox News, Trump admitted he doesn’t know whether Putin wants to end the war in Ukraine.
While he said the Russian president is likely “tired” of the conflict, he also acknowledged that Putin might have no intention of striking a deal — a possibility Trump says could lead to “a difficult situation.”
Zelensky deemed “too inflexible” by Trump
In the same interview, Trump labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “inflexible” — a key reason, he believes, that peace negotiations remain at a standstill.
Despite recent meetings with Zelensky and European leaders, Trump said the path to peace remains filled with “numerous and difficult” obstacles.
Russia rejects NATO involvement
Among the key roadblocks are that Ukraine refuses to cede territory, and Russia won’t accept NATO troop deployments as a peace condition.
These opposing stances, Trump noted, make it difficult to find common ground — even as European leaders continue to pledge full support to Ukraine.
Trump still hopes for a Putin-Zelensky meeting
Despite strained relations, Trump said he tried to broker a direct meeting between Putin and Zelensky.
While he announced plans for such talks after Monday’s White House summit, Russia has yet to confirm.
Moscow emphasized that any meeting must be “thoroughly prepared.”
US assistance, but not troops, says Trump
Addressing Ukraine’s demands for security guarantees, Trump clarified the U.S. won’t send ground troops but may offer other forms of support.
He hinted at possible “air missions” and confirmed that while NATO deployment is off the table, a new type of alliance-based security arrangement could be in the works.
Zelensky awaits formal security guarantee plan
After talks in Washington, President Zelensky said Ukraine’s allies would submit a formal proposal outlining the nature of security guarantees within ten days.
Trump, however, remains cautious about the U.S. role, noting that while Europe may send troops, America’s support will be “different.”
