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Welcome to The Logoff: We’re coming to you slightly later than regular after the conclusion of a summit between Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, at this time. The 2 males spoke for nearly three hours at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in what Trump described as a “very productive assembly,” however in the end introduced no concrete progress towards ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
What do we all know to this point? The massive headline: There isn’t any Russia-Ukraine peace deal in place, and no short-term ceasefire. Each leaders made solely imprecise remarks about negotiations, suggesting that there might be an extended option to go — if there’s a deal available in any respect.
Trump spoke for simply over three minutes, following longer remarks by Putin, and advised reporters that “there have been many, many factors that we agreed on” with a couple of “large ones” nonetheless excellent; nonetheless, he provided no specifics. He additionally stated he would communicate with NATO allies and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in regards to the assembly, noting it was “in the end as much as them.”
What comes subsequent? Trump and Putin are more likely to communicate once more quickly, Trump stated, and will maintain a second summit. It’s unclear if Zelenskyy would attend — Trump has beforehand expressed hope that he would, however he didn’t touch upon that in his remarks Friday night.
What’s the context for all this? Trump returned to workplace promising to finish the battle inside 24 hours of being sworn in; almost seven months later, it has unsurprisingly proved intractable. Trump has appeared more and more impatient in current weeks, together with threatening “extreme penalties” for Russia if there is no such thing as a progress towards a deal. On Friday, nonetheless, he appeared extra conciliatory.
And with that, it’s time to sign off…
In case you’re on the lookout for a enjoyable lengthy learn — and a stroll down reminiscence lane — to your weekend, could I like to recommend Vox’s “The 25 items of tradition that specify the final 25 years”? Vox’s tradition crew tackles the moments, traits, music, films, and extra which have outlined the twenty first century to this point, together with some great illustrations by Vox artwork director Paige Vickers. As at all times, thanks for studying, and have a fantastic weekend!
