US-Russia Relations & Diplomacy - The analysis suggests that Trump is susceptible to flattery, particularly from Putin, which may influence his actions and decisions [1][2] - The meeting between Trump and Putin is viewed as a significant victory for Putin, ending his international isolation and strengthening his position [6][7] - The summit should ideally have been held in a neutral location with Ukraine's involvement to ensure a stronger negotiating position for the US and Ukraine [10][11] US Foreign Policy & National Security - The US administration's approach to the meeting with Putin is described as significantly different from previous administrations, raising concerns about national security protocols [4][5] - The US failed to leverage its position by not imposing secondary sanctions on countries like India and China, and by not increasing military assistance to Ukraine [11][12] - There are concerns that Russia's cyber crimes, including the reported hacking of the US federal court system, were not addressed during the meeting [14][15][16] Geopolitical Implications - The situation highlights the importance of supporting Ukraine and maintaining a strong stance against Russia's actions [9][12] - The analysis indicates that the US economic team's discussions with the Russian economic team may have inadvertently rewarded Russia without achieving any concrete gains for the US [17][18]

Welcome to Meet the Press Now. I am Kristen Welker in Washington. You've been watching our breaking news coverage of the historic summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as the two leaders meet for discussions about the path towards ending the war in Ukraine.Right now, the two leaders are continuing to meet behind closed doors. But this was the scene just moments ago. Take a look.It was supposed to be a one-on-one meeting, meeting just President Trump and President Putin. But you ...

Let's get you on the ground in Anchorage with NBC News White House correspondent Monica Alba and former US ambassador to Ukraine, Bill Taylor is with us as well. Monica, walk us through the choreography of this day. How is this going to play out.What else are we hearing from the president as he heads there. >> Yeah, Anna, it is expected to be a very highstakes day of these meetings. But exactly what it's going to look like is still even a little bit up in the air, which just speaks to how this all came toge ...

Welcome to Meet the Press Now. I'm Kristen Welker in Washington where the countdown is on for President Trump's highstakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin with European and Ukrainian officials anxiously waiting from the sidelines. All eyes will be here on Anchorage, Alaska.And yes, even the local wildlife have taken notice today as preparations are underway at the US military base where President Trump will host President Putin. their first in-person meeting since 2019 and Putin's first time o ...

This is a very public show of European solidarity with Zalinski as the world waits to see what comes out of that Trump Putin meeting in Alaska tomorrow. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zalinski greeted at Downing Street by the British Prime Minister ahead of that crucial summit about a possible deal to end the war in Ukraine. And Zalinski is not invited to that summit and European leaders are deeply concerned about what the president might agree to.So, they're doing everything they can to try to shape the outc ...

Geopolitical Analysis - The summit between President Trump and Vladimir Putin is seen as a significant advantage for Putin, especially considering the international charges of war crimes against him [2] - Senator Blumenthal expresses concern that President Trump might not impose new sanctions on Russia and may deviate from the principles agreed upon with European countries [4] - The senator suggests that Putin's strategy involves playing Donald Trump, causing delays, and showing no genuine interest in peace, while continuing military actions in Ukraine [8] - The senator believes that China is closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine and that appeasement of Putin could lead to further aggression, potentially against Taiwan [12] - Congress can demonstrate unity and support for the President by passing the Graham Blumenthal sanctions bill, sending a message to China, India, and Brazil regarding their economic support of Russia [6][16][17] Economic Implications - The senator highlights Ukraine's significant economic potential, including mineral resources, manufacturing, and agriculture, suggesting that investment in rebuilding Ukraine could send a strong message [9][11] - The presence of American businesses and workers in Ukraine could provide security guarantees and contribute to the country's reconstruction [10] - India, China, and Brazil are identified as key countries fueling Russia's economy by purchasing the majority of its oil and gas [16] Policy & Sanctions - The Graham Blumenthal sanctions bill aims to impose sanctions on countries like India, China, and Brazil that support Russia's economy [6][16] - The senator emphasizes the importance of continued military buildup in Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions to counter Putin's actions [5] Personnel Concerns - The senator calls for the dismissal of Robert Malone from the advisory committee on immunization practices due to his extreme right-wing views and abhorrent posts about gun violence [18][19]

Joining me now is NBC News senior national security correspondent Courtney Kubie who is at the Pentagon. Uh so Courtney, we heard President Trump say that Zillinsky is not going to be a part of these talks. How significant of a blow is that for Ukraine and European nations.>> It's a huge deal, Ryan. I mean, the notion that President Zalinski would agree to any kind of a potential outcome out of the meetings in Alaska seems pretty far-fetched. Imagine that would mean President Trump and Vladimir Putin would ...

Israel-Gaza Conflict - The international community widely condemns Netanyahu's plan to take over Gaza City, which would force the evacuation of approximately 1 million Palestinians [1][2] - Concerns exist within Israel regarding the plan, with protests and calls from senior Israeli security officials for an immediate end to the war [3] - Expanding the war in Gaza is seen as counterproductive to Israel's interests, including ending the war, freeing hostages, and protecting the IDF [4] - The expansion of the war is expected to worsen the humanitarian crisis for Palestinians [5] - There are concerns that Netanyahu's actions are driven by his personal political and legal interests, rather than the country's best interests, as he faces corruption allegations [5][6] - The US administration's approach of supporting the war's expansion while aiming to alleviate starvation in Gaza is viewed as contradictory [8] - Expanding the war cannot alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people [9] - The US needs to exert leverage on Israel to increase humanitarian access and end the suffering and starvation in Gaza [10][11] Russia-Ukraine Conflict - President Trump is scheduled to meet with Russian President Putin in Alaska [11] - There are concerns that Trump has already conceded to Putin on key issues, including sanctions for Russia's actions in Ukraine and the inclusion of Ukraine's President Zelensky in discussions [13][14][15] - The planned discussion between Trump and Putin regarding Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty raises concerns about Ukraine's exclusion [16]

Geopolitical Analysis - Lasting peace is considered distant, with immediate focus on a ceasefire [1] - The Israeli government, under Netanyahu, views a military campaign to eliminate Hamas as essential for Israel's security [1] - The world is reacting with increased concern due to mass starvation and tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths in Gaza [2][3] - Some governments are recognizing a state of Palestine to compel Israel to change its approach [3] Military Strategy - Senior Israeli officials suggest that there is no strategic military objective left, only tactical ones [5] - The continuation of the war is seen as a political decision by Netanyahu, dependent on achieving a complete victory over Hamas [6] - Israel has reportedly eliminated almost the entire top three levels of Hamas leadership and secured the border [13][14] Political Considerations - Netanyahu's political survival is potentially tied to the ongoing war, as it helps him maintain support from the far right [12][14] - Ending the war could lead to the collapse of the current coalition government and new elections [15] - Netanyahu's political and legal problems, including corruption cases, may not be resolved by the next election in October 2026, potentially benefiting from the war's continuation [16] Post-Conflict Plans - Netanyahu claims he doesn't want Israel to govern Gaza long term, envisioning a civilian-led Gazan entity with Arab assistance [7][8] - There has been a lack of an acceptable diplomatic solution from Israel for almost two years [9] - Arab states are hesitant to cooperate with Israel while the Israeli military is present in Gaza, fearing complicity [10][11]

Joining us now, resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and director of Realign for Palestine, Ahmed Fouad Al-Hib, counselor for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and MSNBC foreign affairs analyst and author of Statecraft 2.0%, what America needs to lead in a multi-olar world. Ambassador Dennis Ross and Susan Glasser still sticking around with us. Susan, starting with you, let's talk Trump's stance here on this conflict. In your latest reporting, you say that casting this as merely just a ...