Xi and Putin reaffirm ‘old friend’ ties in the face of U.S. challenges
NBC3 days
Putin Calls on Ukraine to End War With Talks or He'll End It Militarily
Above: Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a press conference in Beijing, China on Sept. 3, 2025. Image copyright: Contributor/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Russia narrative
This situation in Ukraine was brought about because the collective West took a careless attitude towards Russia's security concerns, thinking the country would not stand up to protect its interests. These issues can be resolved by common sense at the negotiating table, or Russia will have to solve them militarily.
Pro-Ukraine narrative
There are seven countries that have made serious offers to host a Zelenskyy-Putin meeting. Instead, the Russian leader continues to mess everyone around by making proposals that he knows Ukraine can't accept. Putin has no real intention of ending the war, and only increased pressure will give him enough incentive to take the peace process seriously.
Pro-Trump narrative
The Trump administration is watching events between Russia and Ukraine closely. Their leaders don't appear to be ready for a meeting, but the U.S. will get it done and bring them together. Too many people are dying, and this needs to come to an end.
Anti-Trump narrative
President Trump has repeatedly issued deadlines for Russia to end the war — all of which they have ignored as they continue to string out the process. The reality is that Trump will never truly stand up to Putin, and if this war is ever going to come to an end, it will be up to Congress to do so by pushing through a strong enough package of sanctions that will make Russia reconsider its position.
Metaculus Prediction
Public Figures
The Controversies
Establishment split
CRITICAL
PRO
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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.15.2
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.15.2