Trump’s proposed summit with Putin could mark a pivotal shift in U.S. policy on Ukraine, but risks of premature concessions and escalated Russian covert operations underscore the fragility of the moment.

Russia's covert operations and military provocations span from election meddling in Moldova and sabotage in Europe to increasing influence in Latin America and military threats near U.S. waters, signaling a broad strategy to challenge Western dominance.

Iran and Russia have escalated state-sponsored assassination plots globally, using criminal networks and proxy actors to target dissidents, political figures, and ethnic communities, threatening international stability.