Trump Says Talks with Putin Made ‘Great Progress’ — But the Real Test Comes Monday with Zelensky

Former President Donald Trump is signaling optimism after his latest meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a Truth Social post on Friday, Trump called the talks “very good” and said “great progress” was made. But in true Trump fashion, he added a warning: “No deal until there’s a deal.”

According to Breitbart, the Alaska summit was productive, but the details remain tightly guarded. Trump has used this playbook before — build momentum, keep the other side guessing, and only sign when the terms are right.

All Eyes on Washington This Monday

Here’s where things get even more interesting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is flying into Washington on Monday to meet with Trump. After a lengthy call between the two, Zelenskyy made it clear he wants Ukraine directly at the table when it comes to any deal. In his words, the meeting will focus on “ending the killing and the war.”

That sets the stage for a pivotal week:

• Will Trump push for a broad peace agreement before a ceasefire, something closer to Putin’s position?

• Could we see Trump propose a trilateral summit with the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia?

• And how will Europe respond, especially as EU leaders continue pressing for hard security guarantees for Ukraine?

Why This Matters

For Trump, this is classic deal-making. He’s showing progress without locking himself down. For Zelenskyy, this is about survival — making sure Ukraine’s voice is not lost in a U.S.–Russia narrative. And for Putin, it’s a chance to test how far Trump is willing to go in reshaping the conflict.

The Alaska summit didn’t deliver a deal, but Monday’s White House meeting just might shift the conversation from progress to peace.

Faith Perspective

Scripture reminds us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). As leaders wrestle with war and negotiation, true peace comes not just from deals on paper but from justice, wisdom, and God’s guidance.

Dallas Willard explained that peacemakers are those who “break the cycle of evil” by stepping into conflict and working for reconciliation—an outward act of God’s kingdom, not just an inward calm. In the context of nations at war, like Russia and Ukraine, this means leaders who risk seeking reconciliation are not just making political moves; they’re mirroring the Father’s heart by refusing to let violence have the last word. Even if those leaders do not acknowledge the Father.

Sources: Breitbart, AP News, Reuters.

Trump had a B2 Bomber do an unexpected flyover of Putin as the walked to the podium for the Alaska Summit. The B2 obliterated Iran's nuclear program in Operation Midnight Hammer on June 21–22, 2025.