"Putin didn't even blink" — Axios named three outcomes of the summit in Alaska

The American website Axios, on the eve of the meeting of the presidents of Russia and the United States, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, writes that three outcomes of the "superpower summit" in Anchorage are possible.

1. If Trump achieves an unconditional ceasefire, it will be the first multi-day pause in the fighting since Russia's full-scale invasion 3.5 years ago, the publication says. It is noted that "this will be the first tangible progress in more than 200 days since the beginning of Trump's intermittent peace process."

"And this can open the way to substantive peace talks, despite the irreconcilable positions of the parties. Zelensky has repeatedly stated that serious negotiations are possible only under a truce," Axios believes.

2. If Putin "does not budge from his position, it will look as if he withstood Trump's direct challenge on American soil and did not blink."

"In response, Trump may take further steps to limit the export of Russian oil — the lifeblood of its economy and military operations. He can also increase the supply of weapons to Ukraine," the publication says.

3. There is also a possibility that Putin will respond to Trump's ultimatum with the formula "yes, but".

According to the newspaper, Putin "already agreed in principle with Trump's previous demands" for a cease-fire, but insisted on "clarifications" and preconditions.

"And Trump on Wednesday did not directly say that Putin should agree to an immediate cease-fire, only said that he would impose sanctions if he considers that Putin does not intend to end the war. This leaves some room for maneuver on both sides, although Trump's advisers insist that he will leave the meeting with a clear understanding of whether Putin is serious," the publication concludes.