UPDATE, AUG 9:I joined BBC Radio Scotland on Saturday morning, after confirmation of the Trump-Putin meeting next Friday in Alaska, to evaluate the talks. I consider the maneuvers by Ukraine and its European supporters to block that outcome, anticipating Putin’s tactics and maintaining a focus on Russia attacks, including on Ukrainian civilians. ORIGINAL ENTRY, AUG 8: There is widespread concern over Donald Trump’s forthcoming meeting with Vladimir Putin, given the reality TV star’s past affinity for — and reliance upon — the Russian leader. I spoke with RTE Radio 1 on Friday about the dynamics. I emphasize that, whereas the Kremlin was on offense in February amid direct US-Russia talks, it is now on the defensive amid Trump’s vague “deadline” to impose sanctions on Moscow and its trading partners.