Trump is taking a direct approach with Putin, demanding a ceasefire with severe repercussions for non-compliance. The stakes are high; achieving a ceasefire could lead to meaningful peace talks, while failure could weaken Trump's credibility. Analysts anticipate three possible outcomes from the summit: a successful ceasefire, continued stalemate, or a conditional agreement from Putin. If the meeting fails, Trump's threats may become less credible. Further economic sanctions against Russia remain a possible response to Putin's intransigence.
Trump threatened 'serious consequences' if Putin didn't agree to a ceasefire by last Friday, only to change course when Putin proposed a meeting.
A second U.S. official insisted this time is different - that Putin 'tapped Trump along,' then requested this meeting, and now he has to deliver.
If Trump gets 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 general view for months is that we can bring down the Russian economy tomorrow, tomorrow.
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