What Does Putin Want? The Central Question of the Alaska Summit

As President Donald Trump prepares to meet Vladimir Putin in Alaska, the central and most pressing question is simple: What does Putin want? The answer will determine whether the summit is a historic breakthrough or a dangerous diplomatic trap.
If, as Trump claims, Putin genuinely “wants to see peace,” then a negotiated settlement may be possible. In this scenario, Putin may be looking for a face-saving exit from a costly war, which could involve security guarantees for Russia and some recognition of its interests in the region.
However, if, as many analysts believe, Putin remains “uninterested in ending his war,” then his wants are very different. He may want to use the summit to appear reasonable while playing for time, hoping Western resolve will crumble. He may want to secure U.S. concessions on sanctions or NATO without giving up his military goals in Ukraine.
Ultimately, the success or failure of the Alaska summit hinges on this question. Trump is betting on the former interpretation. Many of his allies and intelligence analysts are betting on the latter. The world will soon find out who is right.