Expert Warns of Risks in Trump-Putin Meeting: Potential Threats to Europe

The meeting between Trump and Putin on Friday could have serious consequences for Europe. According to Russia expert Jakob Hedenskog, there is a risk that the war could spread. Countries near Sweden, such as the Baltics, Poland, or Finland, might be next to be drawn into Russia's conflict.

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump has invited his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to Alaska for a historically significant meeting.

The two world leaders will meet to discuss Russia's war against Ukraine and potential peace negotiations.

Trump has described the meeting as a "feel out" session, aiming to understand Putin's perspective. He has also suggested that more meetings between them could follow.

"There is a very good chance that we will have a second meeting that will be more productive than the first," Trump said on Wednesday.

Could Lead to More War – Instead of Less

However, according to Russia expert Jakob Hedenskog at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs, there is a significant risk that the meeting will not lead to lasting peace in Ukraine and Europe – but rather the opposite.

"The fact that the meeting is taking place should not be interpreted as something positive, quite the contrary. It is a risky venture – especially when dealing with Trump and Putin. The risks involved are alarming," he says.

Jakob Hedenskog believes that the mere fact that the meeting is happening, and that Putin is invited to the U.S., is a kind of reward for Putin.

"Just the fact that it is happening is a triumph for Putin. It gives him legitimacy that he does not deserve; he is essentially a wanted war criminal according to the International Criminal Court in The Hague."

Jakob Hedenskog says there is a significant risk that the U.S. will negotiate over Ukraine's head. Something he considers a dangerous game.

Resembles the Outbreak of World War II

He draws a historical parallel to 1938, when Czechoslovakia lost the Sudetenland to Hitler's Germany through the "Munich Agreement" and a negotiation in which Czechoslovakia did not participate. The aim was to avoid war.

But already in March 1939, Germany occupied more Czech territories, which later led to the attack on Poland that triggered World War II.

"There is a parallel – Putin demands territories in Ukraine, even those that Russia does not control today. If they were to come under Russian control, other parts of Ukraine would become much more vulnerable," says Jakob Hedenskog and continues:

"It can only whet Russia's appetite to take over more."

Former Prime Minister Carl Bildt expressed a similar concern on Swedish Radio's Studio Ett on Wednesday:

"There is a worry about that type of scenario. I find it hard to see that it is in the cards right now. But in the long run, absolutely, the 'Munich danger' is there," he says.

Next Target Could Be the Baltics – or Finland

If an agreement is reached that requires Ukraine to make concessions in the form of territories, it will be easier for Russia to continue its military aggression, says Jakob Hedenskog.

"After a necessary pause to rebuild its capabilities, Russia could then launch new attacks on other countries. This could involve both military attacks and hybrid actions or cyberattacks, the latter already happening today."

The countries Jakob Hedenskog primarily believes are at risk of Russian attacks are Moldova, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and other former Soviet Union countries.

"But it cannot be ruled out that it could involve the Baltics, Poland, or Finland."

How worried are you that this will become a reality?

"I am absolutely worried. It does not have to end with the worst-case scenario. But I find it hard to imagine that it would lead to anything positive for Ukraine and Europe."