By Joke Kujenya
HIGH-LEVEL talks between United States (US) President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded in Alaska on Friday without an agreement on a ceasefire in Ukraine, despite both leaders describing the meeting as constructive.
The three-hour summit, their first in-person encounter since 2019, produced expressions of goodwill and promises of further engagement but no breakthrough on ending the war.
Trump characterised the discussions as “extremely productive” and said that “many points” had been agreed, although he declined to provide details.
“There are just a very few that are left; some are not that significant, one is probably the most significant,” Trump remarked.
He added: “So there is no deal until there is a deal. We have a very good chance of getting there.”
Putin reiterated Trump’s positive assessment, saying the dialogue was “long overdue” and that he hoped the understanding reached would “pave the path towards peace in Ukraine.”
He cautioned, however, that Kyiv and European capitals should not “create obstacles” or attempt “to torpedo the nascent progress.”
The joint press appearance lasted only 12 minutes, and the leaders took no questions from reporters, an unusual move for Trump, who is known for extended press interactions.
The summit also came against the backdrop of continued fighting.
On the same day the talks opened, Ukrainian authorities reported incoming Russian drones and aircraft, while Kyiv also announced the recapture of several villages.
Russia, meanwhile, claimed battlefield advances that could influence any future negotiations.
Before the meeting, Trump had warned of “very severe consequences” if Russia did not accept a ceasefire. But after the summit, he softened his tone in a Fox News interview, saying, “Because of what happened today, I think I don’t have to think about that now.”
He indicated plans to consult Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and NATO leaders on the next steps, stating, “Now it’s really up to President Zelensky to get it done.”
Putin used the occasion to tell Trump that the war would not have happened if he had been president instead of Joe Biden, a remark that drew a smile from Trump, who has repeatedly voiced admiration for the Russian leader.
The Russian president further flattered his counterpart by suggesting a follow-up meeting in Moscow.
The summit setting was carefully orchestrated, with the leaders’ arrival marked by the presence of a US B-2 stealth bomber overhead.
Trump greeted Putin on the tarmac and escorted him into the presidential limousine, “The Beast.”
Inside the meeting venue, a large screen displayed the slogan “Pursuing Peace.”
The talks were conducted with senior aides, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, after the White House dropped plans for a one-on-one meeting.
Zelensky, who was not part of the Alaska summit, said Trump briefed him afterwards and expressed readiness to work “with maximum effort to achieve peace.”
The Ukrainian leader further restated his stance that Russia must take the necessary steps to end the war, writing in a social media post, “We are counting on America.” He is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington on Monday.
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, a reminder of the stakes surrounding his international engagements.
Despite this, the Russian leader appeared relaxed throughout the visit, speaking warmly with his delegation and joking with Russian reporters.
