A highly anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin ended on Friday without a ceasefire agreement in the ongoing Ukraine war. While no breakthrough was announced, both leaders claimed “progress” had been made during the short summit.
Warm Welcome for Putin in Alaska
Putin received a red-carpet reception upon landing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, marking his first visit to Western soil since launching Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Observers noted the cordial atmosphere, which stood in contrast to the frosty treatment Trump gave Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this year in Washington.
No Ceasefire, But “Progress” Claimed
The two leaders spoke privately for less than three hours before addressing the press. They declined to take questions, offering only vague remarks.
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Putin said the meeting was “long overdue” and hoped it would “pave the path toward peace.”
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Trump admitted: “We didn’t get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there.”
The U.S. president later emphasized that while “many points” were agreed upon, a few major issues remain unresolved.
A Diplomatic Boost for Moscow
Analysts said the summit itself was already a diplomatic victory for Russia.
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Al Jazeera correspondents reported that in Moscow, state media framed the event as a “win” before Putin even left the tarmac.
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By holding talks without Ukraine or European leaders present, Putin secured an image of legitimacy on the global stage.
Ukraine and Europe React
Following the meeting, Trump phoned Zelenskyy as well as several NATO and EU leaders to brief them on discussions.
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Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready for “constructive cooperation” and supported Trump’s proposal for a trilateral summit involving Kyiv, Washington, and Moscow.
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European leaders, including the French and German heads of state, praised Trump’s initiative but stressed:
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Ukraine must receive ironclad security guarantees.
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Russia cannot dictate Ukraine’s path toward EU and NATO membership.
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International borders cannot be changed by force.
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War Still Rages in Ukraine
Even as the summit unfolded, air raid alerts sounded across eastern Ukraine, while Russian regions near the border reported Ukrainian drone strikes. The ongoing fighting underscored the fragility of diplomacy.
Trump’s Advice to Zelenskyy
In a later Fox News interview, Trump urged Zelenskyy to “make a deal” with Russia.
“Russia is a very big power … they’re great soldiers,” Trump said, adding that peace talks were now in Ukraine’s hands, with European involvement needed.
Trump also hinted that he might attend the next round of talks between Zelenskyy and Putin.
What’s Next?
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Zelenskyy is set to meet Trump in Washington next week.
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European capitals will closely monitor any U.S.-Russia agreements to ensure Kyiv’s sovereignty is not compromised.
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Putin ended the Alaska summit by inviting Trump to a follow-up meeting in Moscow. Trump replied he “might face criticism” but did not rule it out.
Key Takeaways
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Trump–Putin summit ended without ceasefire deal.
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Putin gained a diplomatic win by meeting on U.S. soil without Ukrainian participation.
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Ukraine and Europe demand security guarantees and warn against concessions.
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War continues in eastern Ukraine, highlighting the urgent need for peace talks.
