What’s up for grabs at the Trump-Putin summit?

What’s up for grabs at the Trump-Putin summit?

Author: The Times August 12, 2025 Duration: 26:31

When Presidents Trump and Putin meet in Alaska on Friday, Volodymyr Zelensky will not even be present. Trump said on Monday that he would ‘try and win back territory’ for Ukraine – but also mentioned there will be ‘swapping’ of land. So what’s really on the table - and is it more than just ending the war?

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Guest: Professor Mark Galeotti, Historian, Times Contributor, Director of Mayak Intelligence and Author of We Need to Talk about Putin.

Host: Luke Jones.

Producer: Olivia Case.

Read more: Xi, not Trump, has the most power over Putin. Will he use it?

Clips: CNN, DW News, Reuters, Kremlin.ru, Fox, YouTube / @TimesNow, Al Jazeera. 

Photo: Getty Images.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
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