Source: Christian Science Monitor
by staff
“Last week, when President Donald Trump announced he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Aug. 15, he presented it as 20th-century-style diplomacy: Two big powers will decide the future of a smaller country, Ukraine, discussing ‘some swapping of territories’ as part of a possible peace deal. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, would not be in the room where it happens. Mr. Zelenskyy still probably won’t be at the table during the talks in Alaska. Yet over recent days, the leader of a country with about 40 million people has shown how smaller countries can wield influence beyond their numbers, bringing unique characteristics to become respected as big players, not bit players.” (08/13/25)