‘Putin clearly won’: Pundits say meeting was ‘bad for Americans’

[billd766]

6 hours ago, billd766 said:

To use an American expression Trump is,

 

"All hat and no cattle".

 

On a Google search of the phrase, AI comes up with the explanation as follows,

 

 

AI Overview
All Hat, No Cattle | Ray Noah
"All hat, no cattle" is an idiom used to describe someone who talks big and boasts but lacks the substance or action to back it up. It implies they are all show and no action, much like someone who dresses like a cowboy but doesn't own or work with cattle. 

 

The English version is somewhat similar.

 

"All mouth, and no trousers".

 

informal•British
tend to talk boastfully without any intention of acting on one's words.

[BexMan]

It made my wife and I sick to see the murderer in Chief and Child kidnapper Putin be given a red carpet to walk on when he arrived. Thoughts went through my mind about the thousands of innocent Women and Children killed by his bombs. People killed while they visit shopping centres, local markets, hospitals and clinics out on everyday tasks. The families fleeing his murderous, raping soldiers as they move across Ukraine. Families homes with all their worldly possessions destroyed by Drones and missiles. This was akin to honouring a modern day Hitler.

If Trump does go to Russia, he should avoid drinking tea or going near windows. Oh wait a minute, that is something that people who criticise Putin have to worry about, Trump will be OK with his pro Putin red carpet policies.

[xylophone]

6 hours ago, Tidal wave said:

What a stunt

Certainly something that rhymes with the heading!!

[Hummin]

6 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Why bother ... 

 

With your own eyes you know the tragedy comedy only Monthly Python could script better than Trump and Company.

 

Just wondering what you see and hear we do not see or hear. It is as clear as black and white for most people I know, how come it is not for you guys? 

[WorriedNoodle]

11 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Don't know what y'all expect, or know what everyone else doesn't know.

 

What I expect, since EU doesn't want the war to end, and convinced Z not to, I expect RU & USA agreeing to remain peaceful, and RU do what it needs to do.   

 

USA will not back NATO silliness in a regional conflict that doesn't involve the EU, nor the USA.  Z has no interest in a ceasefire or peace agreement, so live or die with that choice.

 

RU has been as patient as anyone can expect.  Time to end the silliness.  Boot Z & govt from their dictatorship, and let UA citizens have an election to decide it's future.

Such a twisted mind you have based on some parallel universe that doesn't exist? What's your source for your spiel—Russian state media?

 

First, claiming the EU "doesn't want the war to end" and convinced Zelenskyy not to is baseless—the EU has consistently supported Ukraine's right to self-determination and pushed for a peace agreement that respects its borders, not Russia's demands. The war started because Russia invaded a sovereign country in 2022, violating international law and Ukraine's territorial integrity—any "patience" from Russia is a myth when they're the aggressor committing atrocities.

 

Second, the U.S. and NATO's involvement isn't "silliness"; it's about upholding collective security against unprovoked aggression. Dismissing it as a "regional conflict" overlooks how Russia's actions threaten global stability, including EU and U.S. interests.

 

Third, Zelenskyy has repeatedly expressed interest in peace negotiations, including supporting trilateral talks with Trump and Putin, but he rejects land swaps or capitulation that would reward invasion. That's not "no interest"—it's insisting on a just peace that preserves Ukraine's sovereignty.

 

Finally, calling Zelenskyy's government a "dictatorship" is straight-up false propaganda. He was democratically elected in 2019 with overwhelming support, and elections have been postponed under martial law due to the ongoing war, as allowed by Ukraine's constitution—something most democracies do in existential crises. "Booting" him would undermine Ukraine's democracy, not restore it.

 

If one wants real peace, it starts with Russia withdrawing and respecting Ukraine's right to exist without interference.

[spidermike007]

Now it has become apparent just how weak Trump is as a negotiator. He essentially conceded virtually all points to Russia, and is now advocating for their takeover of massive amounts of Ukrainian territory. 

 

And rolling out the red carpet for a serial killing dictator like Putin? For some mysterious reason Trump talks tough when it comes to tweeting, and then when it comes to meeting Putin he behaves like a sycophantic lap dog. What is that all about? So weak. So pathetic. 

 

President Trump on Saturday split from Ukraine and key European allies after his summit with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, backing Mr. Putin’s plan for a sweeping peace agreement based on Ukraine ceding territory it controls to Russia, instead of the urgent cease-fire Mr. Trump had said he wanted before the meeting.

 

Skipping cease-fire discussions would give Russia an advantage in the talks, which are expected to continue on Monday when President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine visits Mr. Trump at the White House. It breaks from a strategy Mr. Trump and European allies, as well as Mr. Zelensky, had agreed to before the U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska.

 

Russia entered Friday’s inconclusive talks with the United States from a position of strength on the battlefield in Ukraine. It is a position Russia is likely to keep exploiting, as President Trump on Saturday seemed to rule out any prospect of an imminent cease-fire.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/08/16/world/trump-putin-meeting-alaska?smid=nytcore-android-share

 

 

Yikes. Is that really the best he can do? With friends like Trump, who needs enemies? 

 

[Miloki]

37 minutes ago, WorriedNoodle said:

Such a twisted mind you have based on some parallel universe that doesn't exist? What's your source for your spiel—Russian state media?

 

First, claiming the EU "doesn't want the war to end" and convinced Zelenskyy not to is baseless—the EU has consistently supported Ukraine's right to self-determination and pushed for a peace agreement that respects its borders, not Russia's demands. The war started because Russia invaded a sovereign country in 2022, violating international law and Ukraine's territorial integrity—any "patience" from Russia is a myth when they're the aggressor committing atrocities.

 

Second, the U.S. and NATO's involvement isn't "silliness"; it's about upholding collective security against unprovoked aggression. Dismissing it as a "regional conflict" overlooks how Russia's actions threaten global stability, including EU and U.S. interests.

 

Third, Zelenskyy has repeatedly expressed interest in peace negotiations, including supporting trilateral talks with Trump and Putin, but he rejects land swaps or capitulation that would reward invasion. That's not "no interest"—it's insisting on a just peace that preserves Ukraine's sovereignty.

 

Finally, calling Zelenskyy's government a "dictatorship" is straight-up false propaganda. He was democratically elected in 2019 with overwhelming support, and elections have been postponed under martial law due to the ongoing war, as allowed by Ukraine's constitution—something most democracies do in existential crises. "Booting" him would undermine Ukraine's democracy, not restore it.

 

If one wants real peace, it starts with Russia withdrawing and respecting Ukraine's right to exist without interference.

Everything he said was provably true.  You are the one mainlining war propaganda into your veins.

You can make the case Zelny is allowed to maintain rule as a dictator under martial law by the Ukraine constitution but don't pretend this has anything to do with maintaining a democracy.  Nor should you pretend Zelny would win an election and represents the will of the people.

We're out.  You want to fight the Russian's because your economy is going down the toilet due to short sighted deindustrialization and energy policies, over taxation and regulation, and the insane number of third world immigrants you imported, go ahead. 

Best of luck, I'm sure the immigrants will be thrilled when you finally tell them the real reason they are there.  You needed an army.

 

[Miloki]

27 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Now it has become apparent just how weak Trump is as a negotiator. He essentially conceded virtually all points to Russia, and is now advocating for their takeover of massive amounts of Ukrainian territory. 

 

And rolling out the red carpet for a serial killing dictator like Putin? For some mysterious reason Trump talks tough when it comes to tweeting, and then when it comes to meeting Putin he behaves like a sycophantic lap dog. What is that all about? So weak. So pathetic. 

 

President Trump on Saturday split from Ukraine and key European allies after his summit with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, backing Mr. Putin’s plan for a sweeping peace agreement based on Ukraine ceding territory it controls to Russia, instead of the urgent cease-fire Mr. Trump had said he wanted before the meeting.

 

Skipping cease-fire discussions would give Russia an advantage in the talks, which are expected to continue on Monday when President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine visits Mr. Trump at the White House. It breaks from a strategy Mr. Trump and European allies, as well as Mr. Zelensky, had agreed to before the U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska.

 

Russia entered Friday’s inconclusive talks with the United States from a position of strength on the battlefield in Ukraine. It is a position Russia is likely to keep exploiting, as President Trump on Saturday seemed to rule out any prospect of an imminent cease-fire.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/08/16/world/trump-putin-meeting-alaska?smid=nytcore-android-share

 

 

Yikes. Is that really the best he can do? With friends like Trump, who needs enemies? 

 

No one cares what the EU and especially the NY Times has to say on the matter.

And believe me, we are also re-evaluating who is actually a friend to the United States.  Countries or institutions like the EU and Israel should be on notice.  We're not getting sucked into your damned wars, the American people have had enough. 

I think we maintain some hope for the UK given our shared history, but that hope is fading fast.  Every Brit knows it, the UK Govt is not working for them, they are working for something else.

[AlexRich]

9 hours ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

Because you are just parrotting discreditted msm narrative. Their narratives, in case you didnt notice, are only hating Trump at any cost. Whatever he does they say its wrong. So your parrotting the nonsensical Ride Putin Hard narrative(because Trump is trying to win peace through diplomacy) is both dumb and dangerous.

 

 

There's good reason to hate Trump, he's a very hateful character. So lay off the gaslighting. Anyone with a modicum of common sense listening to the lying buffoon in the White House knows exactly what he is ... a blowhard conman whose only interest is in enriching himself at any cost. But he's not half as foolish as the people who support and defend him. They are the worst. Trump simply takes advantage of their stupidity. 

[candide]

1 hour ago, Miloki said:

Everything he said was provably true.  You are the one mainlining war propaganda into your veins.

You can make the case Zelny is allowed to maintain rule as a dictator under martial law by the Ukraine constitution but don't pretend this has anything to do with maintaining a democracy.  Nor should you pretend Zelny would win an election and represents the will of the people.

We're out.  You want to fight the Russian's because your economy is going down the toilet due to short sighted deindustrialization and energy policies, over taxation and regulation, and the insane number of third world immigrants you imported, go ahead. 

Best of luck, I'm sure the immigrants will be thrilled when you finally tell them the real reason they are there.  You needed an army.

 

B.S. Russian propaganda! 🤣

[short-Timer]

TOO MUCH NONSTOP WINNING!

 

[StayinThailand2much]

On the bright side, some news outlets were actually speculating (e.g. on YouTube), whether Trump would return Alaska to Russia... 😆 - Guess, this didn't happen.

[MicroB]

[Miloki]

11 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

On the bright side, some news outlets were actually speculating (e.g. on YouTube), whether Trump would return Alaska to Russia... 😆 - Guess, this didn't happen.

Putin agreed to take Quebec off our hands though, huge win for the 51st state.

[bannork]

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed halting fighting in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions if Ukrainian forces withdraw from Donbas, reports Axios journalist Barak Ravid.

 

Ravid's source, familiar with the leaders' talks, revealed Putin's offer.

 

"The Russian president proposed to freeze the front in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson area in exchange for a Ukrainian withdrawal from Donetsk (Donbas -ed.) — a demand Ukraine is highly unlikely to accept," the post said.

 

Putin proposes ceasefire in two regions for Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas - Axios

[RayC]

2 hours ago, Miloki said:

No one cares what the EU and especially the NY Times has to say on the matter.

 

On the Ukraine issue that is, unfortunately, probably true. It also appears that Putin doesn't care what Trump has to say which is more significant.

 

2 hours ago, Miloki said:

And believe me, we are also re-evaluating who is actually a friend to the United States.  Countries or institutions like the EU and Israel should be on notice.  We're not getting sucked into your damned wars, the American people have had enough. 

 

While Europe (EU and UK) is still dependent on the US for its' security and, to some extent, economically if the US is not considered a reliable 'guardian', then a re-evaluation will take place in Europe as well. 

 

2 hours ago, Miloki said:

I think we maintain some hope for the UK given our shared history, but that hope is fading fast.  Every Brit knows it, the UK Govt is not working for them, they are working for something else.

 

Imo Starmer's government has been a disappointment to date, but it is complete nonsense to suggest that it is working to some (unexplained) hidden agenda. 

[Dan747]

Again, another delay tactic by Putin to gain more territory of Ukraine. 

[bannork]

Donald Trump has said he wants to bypass a ceasefire in Ukraine to move directly to a permanent peace agreement after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

 

Multiple news outlets reported on Saturday that Putin had presented an offer that involved Ukraine handing over complete control of its eastern Donetsk region, which is 70% occupied by Russia.

 

 

In return, Russia would reportedly agree to front lines being frozen and other unspecified concessions were apparently offered.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c04rv2p3936o

 

 

[pegman]

16 hours ago, stevenl said:

Nothing at all news worthy. No information on the discussion, no questions taken, only pundits' opinions based on the presser.

One look at no energy Trump and it was obvious no had no cards, 

[RayC]

14 minutes ago, bannork said:

Donald Trump has said he wants to bypass a ceasefire in Ukraine to move directly to a permanent peace agreement after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

 

Multiple news outlets reported on Saturday that Putin had presented an offer that involved Ukraine handing over complete control of its eastern Donetsk region, which is 70% occupied by Russia.

 

 

In return, Russia would reportedly agree to front lines being frozen and other unspecified concessions were apparently offered.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c04rv2p3936o

 

 

 

Seems to be at odds with the stronger stance suggested by Melani which Trump was reported to support?

[Miloki]

1 minute ago, pegman said:

One look at no energy Trump and it was obvious no had no cards, 

No energy Trump lol.  Comical that this is how some people still make assessments when the internet exists and shows otherwise.

Trump has the only card, US-Russian relations, and you should hope it works.  Otherwise Ukraine will become a rump state with no access to the Black Sea and the EU is likely to pay a terrible price trying to intervene.

[TedG]

 

President Trump Trolls Putin with EPIC B-2 and F-35 Show of Force

[impulse]

12 hours ago, simple1 said:

The other matter you mentioned was in reference to voter disenfranchisement, presumedly by a Trump supporter for which he was convicted, not an attempted "joke" - more MAGA BS.

 

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/social-media-influencer-douglass-mackey-sentenced-after-conviction-election

 

His conviction was thrown out recently, on appeal.  He's glad that he didn't get a pardon from Trump, because that means he can sue for malicious prosecution. 

 

And if you're stupid enough to believe you can vote by text, maybe you shouldn't be allowed to vote.

 

 

[gargamon]

[Presnock]

20 hours ago, Tug said:

The dudes an embarrassment thank god they didn’t allow him to be alone with putin….but enough of my humiliation at having this fraud representing my country….poor Ukraine that brave nation of hero’s fighting for their existence.I guess trumps trying…..he might have had better luck if he hadn’t squandered all the strength we had by not supporting and actively undermining Ukraine to begin with….sad 

you obviously haven't read the newas report - Russia had a limo that would take him to the meeting location but Trump had him join him in hte US limo and there were no Americans other than Trump talking with Putin on the drive to the meeting house.  This is now a normal process so that IMHO Putin can tell Trump what the situation will be!  We see that Trump's saying he would get a cesafire at least certainly was shelved early on.

[Patong2021]

20 hours ago, transam said:

Trump's after the meeting news briefing just shows how incompetent he is, embarrassing.......🙄

 

Thousands dead and they are all chummy........🤢

 

 

 

Did he dye his hair again?

[novanova]

I am simply baffled as to why DT is involved in this area. He is the dunce who thought Finland was part of Russia, and has no sound knowledge of politics, economics or history. He is out of his depth in an area he does not understand. Why is he involved at all?

 

All he knows is bullying small people. That's all he has ever done.

[Tug]

16 minutes ago, novanova said:

I am simply baffled as to why DT is involved in this area. He is the dunce who thought Finland was part of Russia, and has no sound knowledge of politics, economics or history. He is out of his depth in an area he does not understand. Why is he involved at all?

 

All he knows is bullying small people. That's all he has ever done.

That is the essence of his (art of the deal) and we all know what bullies do when they are afraid ……they fold or if I may taco 🌮 

[bamnutsak]

14 minutes ago, novanova said:

I am simply baffled as to why DT is involved in this area. He is the dunce who thought Finland was part of Russia, and has no sound knowledge of politics, economics or history. He is out of his depth in an area he does not understand. Why is he involved at all?

 

All he knows is bullying small people. That's all he has ever done.

 

 

Several reports from WH insiders are that this "summit" was a cock-up initiated by trump special envoy Witkoff (derisively referred to in trump admin  as "steve witless") getting bamboozled by putin. And trump wanted it put together quickly, and when the trump gang realized they got played, it was too late to back out.

 

Just the usual hack/amateur crap from the gang that can't shoot straight.

 

I think Susie Wiles will have trump on a short leash now as his physical and mental states are quickly getting worse, and no drug regimen seems to work now. Time to distract him with more White House decorating chores.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Wingate]

If Trump was in Texas, they'd say "All hat, no cattle."

 

It Is difficult to guess what Trump planned to accomplish with this silly, meaningless summit. Generally, sides meeting for a summit will announce beforehand a few basic goals, so that after the summit they can say they achieved them. Since Trump and his Carnival People staff lowered expectations beforehand, he could come up with the pabulum that "progress was made". Really? Putin said he wanted half of Ukraine. How is that progress?

 

Putin, however, did get some progress. Trump said he would hasten the removal of status for 200,000 Ukrainians currently in the US. I guess Putin needs more innocent people to slaughter, so Trump will serve them up on a platter, like cheeseburgers at a Mar-a-Lago "gala".

 

It's painfully obvious Trump is only angling for a Nobel Peace Prize, envious as he is of Obama's laureate. I suspect Trump thought he could get a cease fire out of it, which Putin knows full well he need not do. Putin probably prepared for the meeting; Trump obviously did not. Putin knows how to manipulate Trump. Trump forever claims to be a "dealmaker", but his actions in everything from Ukraine to tariffs lays bare the reality he's a rank amateur, and can be outwitted by a schoolgirl. Remember the "two weeks" before new US sanctions on Russia? That came and went, as Trump TACO'd yet again. Putin got back on the world stage, got smiles and handshakes while innocent Ukrainians are still being buried or searched for in the rubble of bombed buildings like hospitals and schools and shopping centers.

 

To the rest of the world, Trump looks like an idiot, something that comes natural to him. The world knows the US is unreliable and no longer cares about democracy or freedom. The world also sees how to handle Trump: a little fake praise while pushing for what benefits you. (The Pakistan leadership is doing an excellent job of this.)

 

Zelenskyy will soon visit the White House. Trump will try to play tough guy, maybe Vance will also try, when everyone knows the only real man in the Oval Office will be Zelenskyy. (I know MAGAs hate "woke", but if there is real need for a new gender identity, Trump is the one who needs it, because "man", he is not.)  He isn't going to stand up for his nation for 3 years only to award Putin the prize of eastern Ukraine. Zelenskyy isn't Neville Chamberlain, nor is he a coward like Trump. Trump is the baby who ran to the WH bunker when a Code Pink protest was on Pennsylvania Ave (and then said whoever leaked that to the media is a traitor). Zelenskyy had many offers for safehaven outside of Ukraine, knowing he is a target of Putin, yet he has stayed in Kyiv.