Will it be a redux of Munich 1938, when one dictator was appeased and a world war ensued? Or perhaps it could turn out to be a replay of Yalta in 1945, when another autocrat was handed control of Eastern Europe. Or maybe it turns out to be just a big nothingburger with a photo-op.
Whatever happens in the Trump-Putin summit meeting in Alaska, by the time you are listening to this you’ll certainly know more than we did during this conversation – because the summit was just getting under way as we started recording.
Not convenient timing, to be sure. But nevertheless, on The Power Vertical Podcast this week, host Brian Whitmore spoke with former U.S.Assistant Secretary of State David Kramer, executive director of the George W. Bush Institute; and Serhiy Kudelia, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Baylor University and the author of the recently published book, “Seize the City, Undo the State: The Inception of Russia’s War on Ukraine.” We hope that regardless of the outcome in Alaska, this episode provides our listeners with useful context.
Enjoy…
Please follow Brian Whitmore and The Power Vertical on Bluesky @powervertical.bsky.social
SHOW NOTES
The audio clips opening the podcast and the second segment came from a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on August 15, 2025. The translations are as follows:
“A brief update for today. Of course, I am receiving reports from our intelligence and diplomats regarding the preparations for the meeting in Alaska. Regarding what Putin is bringing to the table. We are also receiving reports from Ukraine’s regions following Russian strikes.”
“Sumy – a Russian strike on the central market. Dnipro region – strikes on cities and enterprises. Zaporizhzhia, Kherson region, Donetsk region – deliberate Russian strikes. The war continues, and it is precisely because there is neither an order nor even a signal that Moscow is preparing to end this war. On the day of negotiations, they are killing as well. And that speaks volumes.”
Serhiy Kudelia’s book, Seize the City, Undo the State: The Inception of Russia’s War on Ukraine can be purchased here. Serhiy Kudelia’s other published work can be accessed here, here, and here.
David Kramer’s article in The Dispatch, “In Alaska, Ways To Do Right By Ukraine” can be accessed here. His article (co-authored with Igor Khrestin), “Achieving lasting peace in Ukraine,” can be accessed here. David Kramer’s other recently published work can be accessed here.
The Power Vertical Newsletter on Substack can be accessed here. Recently published work by Brian Whitmore can be accessed here, here, here, and here. Please follow Brian Whitmore and The Power Vertical on Bluesky@powervertical.bsky.social