Sen. Lindsey Graham backs Trump–Putin Alaska summit, draws Reagan comparison

The Big Picture

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent advocate for tougher sanctions against Russia, signaled Saturday that he supports President Donald Trump’s planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15. Graham drew a historical parallel to President Ronald Reagan’s Cold War-era diplomacy, saying Trump should be ready to walk away from any unfavorable deal.

What’s New

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Graham urged critics to recall Reagan’s meetings with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, framing Trump’s move as a potential pathway to ending the conflict in Ukraine. “Good luck, Mr. President, in your efforts to end this brutal war. The world should be pulling for you. I know I am,” he wrote.

To those who criticize President Trump for being willing to meet with Putin to end the bloodbath in Ukraine – remember Reagan met with Gorbachev to try to end the Cold War.

I’m confident President Trump will walk away – like Reagan – if Putin insists on a bad deal.

Good… https://t.co/b2tAG3foCp

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 8, 2025

What They’re Saying

What’s Next

The Alaska summit will mark the first face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin since Trump returned to the White House in January. According to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, both sides are working “actively and intensively” to finalize political and logistical arrangements. Ushakov described Alaska as a logical choice given its proximity to Russia, and noted that Moscow has already invited Trump to a subsequent meeting in Russia.

The Bottom Line

While the White House promotes the meeting as a potential breakthrough, Ukraine has made its stance clear. In a nationally broadcast address on Aug. 9, President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed that Ukraine’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable, pointing to the Constitution as the definitive answer to any “territorial question.” His remarks underscored the high diplomatic stakes and the limits of compromise as Trump and Putin prepare to meet.

Follow Virginia Times for regular news updates. Stay informed with the latest headlines, breaking stories, and in-depth reporting from around the world.