United States President Donald Trump appeared subdued after his highly anticipated summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska ended without achieving its central aim – securing a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Before the meeting, held on Friday in Anchorage, Trump had voiced optimism that he could make tangible progress toward ending the war.
Putin, meanwhile, was greeted with red-carpet honours at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, including a lengthy handshake from Trump and a ceremonial welcome, setting a seemingly warm tone for what were expected to be challenging talks.
The optimism did not last. After fewer than three hours of discussions – significantly shorter than the seven initially planned – both leaders left without a breakthrough. They issued brief prepared statements to reporters but did not take questions.
Putin said Russia remained committed to ending the war but insisted that the “primary causes” of the conflict must be addressed for any agreement to be sustainable. He warned Ukraine and the European Union against attempts to “torpedo the nascent progress” through provocations or secretive manoeuvres.
Trump described the talks as “extremely productive,” saying “many points were agreed to,” and suggested there was a “very good chance” of reaching a ceasefire. However, he acknowledged that significant differences remained with Moscow, including at least one major obstacle. “There’s no deal until there’s a deal,” Trump said, adding that the outcome ultimately rested with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Despite his growing isolation in the West since launching the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin seemed pleased with his reception.
He was driven off the tarmac alongside Trump in the presidential limousine, “The Beast,” while Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova later gloated on Telegram that Western claims of Russia’s isolation had been disproved by the red-carpet welcome.
Although Trump had vowed not to discuss trade or business matters until progress was made on Ukraine, Putin revealed that the two leaders had talked about potential cooperation in technology, space, and Arctic exploration.
He highlighted the “tremendous potential” for collaboration between the US and Russia in sectors ranging from digital trade to high-tech and space exploration. Russia has previously sought to leverage its vast reserves of rare earth minerals as a bargaining tool with Washington.
As the meeting concluded, Trump expressed hope of meeting Putin again soon. Putin, switching to English, quipped with a smile, “Next time, in Moscow.” Trump replied that such a visit was “possible,” though he acknowledged it might draw criticism.
Trump also reiterated his intention to pursue a trilateral summit involving NATO officials and President Zelenskyy. In an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity after the talks, he rated the Alaska meeting “a 10 out of 10,” insisting he and Putin “got along great.”
But he again stressed that progress depended on Ukraine’s president: “Now, it’s really up to President Zelenskyy to get it done. And I would also say the European nations have to get involved a little bit. But it’s up to President Zelenskyy.”
His closing message was blunt: “Make a deal.”
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