Helsinki, Aug 18, 2025 — The much-hyped “Pursuing Peace” summit between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has concluded with an outcome that appears to tilt heavily in Moscow’s favor.
Despite the summit’s stated aim of fostering peace and cooperation, sources suggest Trump conceded to most of Putin’s demands, leaving the Russian leader visibly more upbeat about the outcome. Observers noted that Trump looked weary and somewhat dejected during the closing session, a stark contrast to Putin’s confident demeanor.
The summit, which Trump has reportedly been eyeing as a potential springboard for a Nobel Peace Prize nomination, fell short of its ambitious branding. Analysts remarked that the optics worked well for Putin, who emphasized “constructive dialogue” and claimed the meeting proved Russia’s global influence.
Trump, meanwhile, faced questions from both allies and critics about the tangible benefits for the United States. “This was supposed to be about pursuing peace,” one Western diplomat commented, “but it looks more like Trump was pursuing accolades while Putin was pursuing results.”
While no major agreements were formally announced, insiders hint that Moscow secured verbal assurances on several long-standing issues, including security guarantees and sanctions relief discussions. For many, the imbalance was clear: Putin left the stage projecting strength, while Trump left looking like a man chasing a prize that may never come.
