A high-stakes meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded in Alaska without any concrete agreement to end the war in Ukraine. The three-hour summit, which both sides described as “constructive,” yielded no tangible outcomes on a ceasefire or resolution to the conflict.
Trump had previously vowed to end the war on his first day back in office. However, seven months into his second term, the war continues, with Russian forces advancing on multiple fronts.
At a joint press conference, Trump said, “We had a very constructive meeting and agreed on many points. Only a few issues remain—some minor, but one potentially very significant. There’s a real opportunity to reach an agreement, but we’re not there yet.”
Contrary to initial plans for a one-on-one meeting, the summit included both countries’ foreign ministers, Trump’s special envoy, and Putin’s senior foreign policy advisor.
Trump stated that he would soon brief Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders on the details of the talks. Neither leader took questions from the press during their joint appearance.
In a post-summit interview with Fox News, Trump shifted responsibility to Ukraine, saying, “It’s now up to Zelensky to resolve this, though European countries may also get involved.”
Despite the lack of a deal, both leaders stressed the importance of continued dialogue. Putin remarked, “It’s time for Russia and the United States to turn the page and resume cooperation.” He praised Trump as someone with “a clear understanding of U.S. national interests and awareness of Russia’s as well.”
Trump ended their exchange by saying, “We’ll speak again soon—probably see you again.” Putin smiled and replied, “Next time in Moscow.” Trump quipped, “That might get me criticized, but I can see it happening.”
Putin’s appearance on U.S. soil for the first time in over a decade was seen as a diplomatic coup—an opportunity to reassert his global presence following years of isolation due to the Ukraine invasion and domestic repression. The red-carpet reception, face-to-face talks with the American president, and media attention allowed him to project strength.
Analysts believe Trump aimed to showcase his deal-making skills and pressure Putin to end the war, while Putin sought to solidify battlefield gains, prevent Ukraine’s NATO membership, and reassert Russia’s influence over Kyiv.
Although Trump hinted at a possible second summit involving Zelensky, the Ukrainian president did not meet with either Trump or Putin during yesterday’s events.
