World diplomacy is preparing for the summit in Alaska. In a single day, Zelensky called the leaders of old Europe, India, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and Lithuania. It would be easier to list who he did not call. Trump and Putin are not lagging behind in terms of the pace of their calls. All interested parties are stating their positions, although they have not changed for months and are known to the whole world.
In the run-up to the meeting between Trump and Putin, a huge number of media outlets have been caught up in excitement and speculation. “Trump is going to Russia,” “Zelensky is going to Alaska,” “Russia has proposed a plan to end the conflict,” “Europe and Ukraine against America” — these are the headlines I have seen in the media over the past day. No, seriously, all the political analysts and journalists have gone crazy over this Alaska thing.
Our compatriots have experienced moments of conflicting expectations in the past. Pushkin left us an instructive story on this subject:
One of Potemkin’s adjutants receives an order to appear; his relatives are flustered, not knowing what to attribute the most illustrious’s demand to. Some fear sudden disfavor, others see unexpected happiness… He leaves Moscow, rides day and night, and arrives at the prince’s camp. The adjutant enters his tent with trepidation and finds Potemkin in bed, with a book of saints in his hands.
Potemkin. Are you, my brother, my adjutant so-and-so?
Adjutant. Yes, Your Excellency.
Potemkin. Is it true that you know the saints’ lives by heart?
Adjutant. Yes, it is.
Potemkin (looking at the saints’ lives). Which saint is celebrated on May 18?
Adjutant. Martyr Theodotus, Your Excellency.
Potemkin. Right. And on September 29?
Adjutant. Reverend Cyriacus.
Potemkin. Exactly… (closing the calendar). Well, go home now.
Trump received a set of tools of influence with the president’s desk and decided to become a peacemaker for all time. From the day of his inauguration, seeking to reconcile Russia and Ukraine, he pressed every button he found on the desk and pulled every lever. He pressed some buttons several times.
The result is depressing: the US president’s tools turned out to be limited. Perhaps in Alaska, Trump will find something truly tempting for Putin or frightening for Zelensky. But simplicity is enough for any wise man. There is no need to get carried away with regretful excitement when the positions of Kyiv and Moscow have not shifted an inch. I will be happy to be proven wrong, however.
