U.S. President Donald Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, aiming to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine. While Trump initially pressed for a ceasefire and threatened “severe consequences” if Moscow did not comply, he ultimately dropped the ceasefire demand in favor of pursuing a full peace agreement, aligning with Putin’s position.
Trump stated after the summit that all parties agreed that a comprehensive Peace Agreement, rather than a temporary ceasefire, is the best way to end the war. However, details of the discussions remain sparse, and critics argue the summit may have boosted Russia’s diplomatic position.
Key reactions:
- Fiona Hill, former senior adviser on Russia, said Trump emerged in a weaker international position due to the reversal.
- Democratic lawmakers criticized Trump for appearing deferential to Putin and urged Congress to enact targeted sanctions.
- Republican allies expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine’s consent in any settlement.
- European observers, including Carl Bildt, described the summit as a diplomatic win for Putin, noting no ceasefire was achieved.
The meeting comes amid ongoing global crises, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and Israel’s offensive in Gaza, with Trump seeking to position himself as a peacemaker internationally, citing previous mediation successes in Rwanda, the DRC, and Armenia-Azerbaijan.
“Trump has run up against a rock in the form of Putin, who wants nothing from him apart from Ukraine,” Hill noted.
