Russian President Vladimir Putin is heading to the Alaska summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, where Russia appears politically dominant despite potential U.S. threats and sanctions. The summit represents a Russian attempt to prolong the conflict in Ukraine and achieve control over the Donbas region. Trump is optimistic about a near resolution in Ukraine but shows weakness towards Russia. Putin insists on full control of Donbas as a condition for a preliminary ceasefire. Russia fears U.S. sanctions but benefits from Trump’s lack of interest in Ukraine. The summit enhances Russia’s global standing without substantive concessions.