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Welcome to The Logoff: We’re coming to you a bit later than regular after the conclusion of a summit between Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, at present. The 2 males spoke for nearly three hours at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in what Trump described as a “very productive assembly,” however finally introduced no concrete progress towards ending the Russia-Ukraine battle.
What do we all know to this point? The large headline: There is no such thing as a Russia-Ukraine peace deal in place, and no momentary ceasefire. Each leaders made solely obscure remarks about negotiations, suggesting that there could possibly be a protracted method 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 just a few “massive ones” nonetheless excellent; nevertheless, he supplied no specifics. He additionally stated he would communicate with NATO allies and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy concerning the assembly, noting it was “finally as much as them.”
What comes subsequent? Trump and Putin are more likely to communicate once more quickly, Trump stated, and should 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 latest weeks, together with threatening “extreme penalties” for Russia if there isn’t a progress towards a deal. On Friday, nevertheless, he appeared extra conciliatory.
And with that, it’s time to log out…
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 designate the final 25 years”? Vox’s tradition group tackles the moments, developments, music, films, and extra which have outlined the twenty first century to this point, together with some fantastic illustrations by Vox artwork director Paige Vickers. As at all times, thanks for studying, and have an ideal weekend!
