Rubio Defends Trump After Putin Meeting Flop
Marco Rubio found himself in the hot seat after Donald Trump’s high-profile meeting with Vladimir Putin ended in what many called a flop. Trump had promised a ceasefire in Ukraine but walked away empty-handed, while Putin left with a photo-op victory. On TV, Rubio tried to spin the moment as “progress,” but when pressed, he couldn’t name a single concession from Russia. The contrast between Trump’s bold words and the weak results left critics calling it a major embarrassment.
Historic Flop? Rubio’s Desperate Spin on Trump’s Putin Meeting
A Meeting That Promised a Breakthrough… But Fell Flat
When Donald Trump sat down with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, he made a bold promise: he would not be “happy” without a Ukraine–Russia ceasefire agreement. But when the talks ended, there was no ceasefire, no deal, and no consequences for Russia.
What followed was a political storm. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, once one of Putin’s fiercest critics, was left scrambling on national television to defend what many called a “historic embarrassment” for the U.S.
So, what really happened in Alaska? And why is this meeting being labeled as one of the biggest foreign policy failures of Trump’s presidency so far? Let’s break it down.
Trump’s Big Promise Before the Meeting
Before boarding Air Force One, Trump told reporters:
I want to see a ceasefire rapidly. I don’t know if it’s going to be today, but I’m not going to be happy if it’s not today.
Those words set high expectations. But when Trump walked out of the meeting with Putin, there was no ceasefire—only a photo op for the Russian leader.
And yet, hours later, Trump posted on Truth Social:
BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA.
But progress on what exactly? That’s the question Rubio struggled to answer.
Rubio on the Hot Seat: Four Interviews, Few Answers
On Sunday morning, Rubio appeared on four major news shows, trying to spin the outcome.
When pressed by ABC’s Martha Raddatz on why Trump failed to secure a ceasefire, Rubio said:
We’re not at the edge of a peace agreement. But I do think progress was made.
The problem? He refused to explain what that “progress” actually was.
Even when asked about consequences for Russia—something Trump had promised before the meeting—Rubio dodged:
“That’s not the aim.”
Raddatz hit back:
“The president said that was the aim.”
This back-and-forth made Rubio look cornered, and critics pounced on the weakness of his answers.
Fox News Called It a “Flop” Too
It wasn’t just Democrats who slammed the meeting. Even Fox News—usually Trump-friendly—said the summit looked like a disaster.
Jacqui Heinrich, Fox’s senior White House correspondent, reported:
“The way it felt in the room was not good. It did not seem like things went well.
It seemed like Putin came in and steamrolled.”
In short, Putin got what he wanted: a high-profile photo next to Trump. Trump got nothing.
Democrats: “A Historic Embarrassment”
Sen. Chris Murphy didn’t hold back on NBC’s Meet the Press:
“That meeting was a disaster. It was an embarrassment for the United States.
Putin got everything he wanted.”
Murphy pointed out that Trump demanded a ceasefire, didn’t get it, and then dropped talk of sanctions altogether.
Rep. Jason Crow went even further, calling it a “historic embarrassment.”
According to Crow:
“Putin cares about three things: sanctions, isolation, and military defeat.
Trump gave him none of those pressures. Instead, he gave him a platform.”
Rubio’s Flip-Flop on Putin
The irony in all this is Rubio’s past.
Back in 2022, Rubio warned:
“You can’t cut deals with guys like Putin.”
He even labeled the Russian leader a “butcher,” a “bloodthirsty monster,” and a “killer.”
Fast-forward to 2025, and Rubio is defending Trump’s soft approach, trying to convince Americans that something good came out of Alaska—even though he couldn’t name a single concession from Putin.
What Did the U.S. Really Get?
Trump’s special envoy to Russia, Steve Witkoff, tried to put a positive spin on CNN. He claimed the U.S. won “a concession” to provide Ukraine with Article Five–like protection, similar to NATO’s mutual defense guarantee.
But here’s the catch: Putin has always opposed Ukraine joining NATO, and experts doubt he would ever allow such a deal. Critics believe this so-called concession is more smoke than fire.
Why This Meeting Matters for Ukraine
For Ukraine, the outcome of this summit is devastating. Every day without a ceasefire means more lives lost and more destruction.
President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit Washington soon, hoping to secure stronger commitments. But his last trip to D.C. ended in humiliation, with Trump and Senator J.D. Vance scolding him for not saying “thank you” enough.
This raises the question: Can Ukraine really rely on U.S. leadership under Trump?
The Bigger Picture: Trump’s Foreign Policy Gamble
This meeting shows the core of Trump’s foreign policy—photo ops over policy wins.
Supporters argue that Trump is trying to avoid war and keep America out of costly conflicts. Critics say he is giving Putin everything while asking for nothing.
And Rubio? Once a hawk on Russia, he’s now stuck defending a policy that looks weaker by the day.
Final Thoughts: Who Really Won in Alaska?
Let’s be honest: the Alaska meeting wasn’t just a flop—it was a loss of leverage.
Trump walked in promising a ceasefire.
He walked out with nothing.
Putin got his photo op, global attention, and no consequences.
For Russia, that’s a win. For Ukraine, it’s a setback. And for America, it raises serious questions about credibility on the world stage.
Editor’s pick
Trump Backs Giving Russia Donbas in Explosive Peace Plan
Our in-depth report breaks down the proposal, global reaction, and what it could mean
for Ukraine’s next moves.
FAQs
1. What was Trump hoping to achieve in Alaska?
He wanted a Ukraine–Russia ceasefire, but failed to secure one.
2. Why is Marco Rubio being criticized?
Because he defended the failed meeting, despite once being one of Putin’s toughest critics.
3. Did Putin make any concessions?
Rubio refused to name any. The administration only claimed vague “progress” that remains unverified.
4. How did Democrats react?
They called the meeting a disaster, with Sen. Chris Murphy and Rep. Jason Crow labeling it an embarrassment for the U.S.
5. What’s next for Ukraine?
President Zelensky will visit Washington seeking stronger U.S. support—but past meetings suggest Trump may not give much.
This story is still unfolding. Will Trump’s gamble on Putin pay off, or will history remember Alaska as the moment America surrendered its leverage?
Enjoyed this story?
Stay connected with us. Subscribe for updates, share with friends, and drop your comments —
your voice matters here.
Watch: Trump–Putin Alaska Summit Highlights
Highlights of President Trump’s summit with President Putin in Anchorage, Alaska — press conference moments, reactions, and key takeaways.
Credit: Sky News (YouTube)
