The summit in Alaska failed to achieve a breakthrough. Details of President Donald Trump’s dialogue with President Vladimir Putin remain unclear, the meeting ended sooner than expected, and the expected joint lunch was cancelled.
Warm Welcome to Vladimir Putin
The summit opened with a very warm welcome at the airport. American media noted that the Russian dictator was received with honors as a leader of an allied country, not a state that has remained in very cold relations with Washington for many years. Before talks, some American journalists close to both leaders shouted toward Putin: “When will you end the war?!” and “When will you stop killing?!” The Russian dictator pretended not to hear these questions.
Change of Plans during Trump‑Putin Meeting
After about three hours, the discussion ended, although earlier it had been announced that the meeting would last 6‑7 hours. Precise details remain unknown, but the exchanges were deemed productive. At the press conference, only brief statements were made. Putin spoke for just over eight minutes, while Trump for a little over three. Neither leader announced a breakthrough on suspending the war in Ukraine. The conference ended without a Q&A. After Trump finished, thanking Putin, the Russian president said in English: “Next time in Moscow.” Trump replied that such a comment would invite criticism, but admitted it could happen.
What Donald Trump Said
— “We made a very big step forward. I have always had fantastic relations with President Putin.” Trump said after the meeting. “Many points were agreed upon; there are only a few left. Some are not so important; one is probably the most important.” He added that with the Russian leader they achieved an “enormous step forward.”
Trump said they did not reach an agreement but there is a high chance it will happen. In a Fox News interview, he mentioned that one of the topics discussed was the exchange of territories between Russia and Ukraine. When asked if “more land would go to Russia and Ukraine would keep security guarantees not tied to NATO”, Trump confirmed the negotiations covered those issues.
He also said that Russia and Ukraine will organize a meeting of their leaders to discuss a possible ceasefire, and that he would likely be present. He did not specify when such a summit could take place.
Trump Offers Advice to Zelensky
Trump said he would call NATO soon and would call various individuals he believes are the right contacts. He would call President Zelensky and explain today’s meeting. Ultimately, they must agree. In a Fox News interview, Trump said that everything now depends on Zelensky and advised the Ukrainian president to reach an agreement to end the war because Russia is a huge power and Ukraine is not.
What Vladimir Putin Said
— “Our talks took place in a constructive atmosphere and were very beneficial.” Putin said after the meeting. He claimed the arrangements made during the discussion would pave the way to peace in Ukraine. He also spoke of the “situation in Ukraine being tied to fundamental security threats to Russia,” a standard Kremlin narrative.
Putin argued that to achieve a lasting settlement, all primary sources of the conflict must be removed. He reiterated that Ukraine and its western allies, including the Biden administration, are responsible for the war. Putin added that if he were president, there would be no war, as he believes this is the path to an end, citing good working contact with Trump.
