Putin, Trump Hold Landmark Alaska Summit Amid Ukraine War, Call Talks ‘Productive’ But No Deal Reached

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a high-stakes summit in Alaska on Friday (15 August), NDTV reported.

The meeting aimed to explore a path to ending the Ukraine war, considered Europe’s most devastating conflict in eight decades.

Trump stressed that “there is no deal until there is a deal,” suggesting that no final settlement was reached, while Putin characterised the discussions as “thorough and useful.”

The Russian leader expressed his nation’s intent to end the war but highlighted what he called “legitimate concerns” that must be addressed.

The comments came during a joint press briefing following three hours of deliberations focused on Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, a war that has claimed thousands of lives and witnessed renewed Russian advances in recent weeks.

The two leaders, however, declined to take questions from the media.

"We had an extremely productive meeting, and many points were agreed to. There are just a very few that are left," Trump told reporters,

"We didn't get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there," he added.

Putin, speaking at greater length than his counterpart, described the negotiations as “constructive and mutually respectful,” adding they were “thorough and useful.”

He expressed hope that the understandings reached could “pave the way for peace in Ukraine.”

The Russian leader added that Moscow expected Kyiv and European capitals to respond “constructively” and avoid creating “obstacles” to the emerging progress.

Putin cautioned against “provocation or behind-the-scenes intrigues” that might derail progress, reiterating Russia’s stance that developments in Ukraine pose fundamental threats to its national security.

He added that "a fair balance in the security sphere in Europe and in the world as a whole must be restored."

In the past, Moscow has consistently demanded that Ukraine renounce its NATO membership ambitions and recognise Russian control over its eastern regions.

Kyiv has dismissed these demands, insisting that any settlement must include firm security guarantees to prevent future aggression.

The summit was hosted at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest military base and a former Cold War surveillance hub.

Both leaders arrived on their presidential aircraft, with Trump applauding as Putin set foot on US soil for the first time since launching the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

At the press event, Trump emphasised broad areas of agreement with Putin but gave no specifics on how the cordial exchange might influence the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Putin underscored the importance of U.S.-Russia cooperation, speaking generally about progress.

As he exited the stage while Trump floated the idea of another summit, Putin smiled and remarked in English: “Next time in Moscow.”

Trump has previously expressed admiration for Putin, drawing sharp criticism after a 2018 summit where he appeared to accept the Russian leader’s denials of US intelligence assessments regarding interference in the 2016 election.

Ahead of his return to Washington, Trump highlighted his rapport with Putin, blamed former President Joe Biden for the outbreak of war, and pledged to secure peace within 24 hours.

However, despite multiple outreach attempts—including a 28 February White House meeting where Trump openly rebuked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—Putin has shown no willingness to compromise.

Trump admitted to being frustrated with Putin, warning of “very severe consequences” if a ceasefire is rejected, yet still proceeded with the Alaska summit.

Underscoring the meeting’s symbolism, the summit venue evoked history: the US purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867, a transaction Moscow often references to justify land exchanges.

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