Trump-Putin Talks End Quickly, No Deal on Ukraine Ceasefire

A highly anticipated summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, held in Anchorage, Alaska, ended without any agreement on halting Moscow’s war in Ukraine, though Trump insisted “great progress” had been made. The meeting was significant, as it marked Putin’s first visit to Western soil since he launched Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Observers described the summit as a “diplomatic win” for Putin, who has faced years of political isolation from the West. His warm reception – a red carpet and a friendly handshake from Trump – contrasted sharply with the frosty reception Trump had given Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier in the year at the White House. This was seen as an important symbolic gesture, highlighting the different approaches Trump has taken toward the two leaders.

The summit lasted less than three hours behind closed doors. Neither leader disclosed specific details about their discussions, and they refused to answer questions from international reporters. Both claimed progress was made, though in vague terms.

Putin, visibly upbeat, was the first to speak publicly. He recounted how he greeted Trump in Anchorage with the phrase, “Good afternoon, dear neighbour,” pointing to Alaska’s proximity to Russia. He called the meeting “long overdue” and expressed hope that their agreement – which remained unspecified – would pave the way for peace in Ukraine. He urged Kyiv and European capitals to respond constructively and not attempt to sabotage the progress. Putin implied that holding the summit without Ukrainian or European participation was itself a strategic victory for Moscow. Analysts noted that Putin seemed to understand Trump’s political style, giving him agreeable statements without offering concrete concessions.

Trump, in his remarks, thanked Putin for his “profound” comments, describing the talks as “very productive.” He said the two sides had agreed on many points, though major disagreements remained unresolved. Emphasizing his negotiation style, Trump said, “There is no deal until there is a deal,” stressing that while progress had been made, no formal agreement was reached. He promised to brief NATO, Zelenskyy, and other allies about the discussions.

Without disclosing specifics, Trump suggested only a few significant issues remained. He remained optimistic, saying there was a “very good chance” of eventually reaching an agreement.

Later, in an interview with Fox News, Trump advised Zelenskyy to “make a deal” with Russia to end the war. He described Russia as a “very big power” with “great soldiers,” implying Ukraine could not prevail militarily and should negotiate. Trump revealed that Zelenskyy and Putin were planning a future meeting to attempt a ceasefire, adding that he might attend if invited. He also urged European nations to play a greater role in facilitating peace but emphasized that the decision ultimately lay with Zelenskyy.

Following the summit, the White House confirmed that Trump held a lengthy call with Zelenskyy and later spoke with NATO leaders. However, even as the two leaders discussed peace in Alaska, the war in Ukraine raged on. Eastern regions of Ukraine remained under air raid alerts, while Russian officials in Rostov and Bryansk reported drone attacks from Ukrainian forces.

In summary, the Alaska summit ended without a ceasefire deal but with symbolic gestures that strengthened Putin’s diplomatic standing. Trump portrayed the talks as progress, while Putin used the meeting to project legitimacy and shift the narrative. Despite their optimistic tone, no concrete steps toward peace were announced, leaving the war ongoing and the prospects of a ceasefire uncertain.