In Anchorage, Alaska, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a brief joint press conference on Friday following their meeting. The leaders, however, refrained from providing specific details or confirming any agreement to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The session, which lasted just 12 minutes, concluded without taking any questions from the press. President Trump mentioned that the United States and Russia have yet to reach an agreement, although he noted that "some progress" was made, with "many areas" of consensus, according to reports from American media. "No deal is done until there is a deal," Trump stated.
Trump also noted his intention to communicate with NATO and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to share the outcomes of his discussion with Putin. He emphasized, "Ultimately, the decision lies with them."
Putin's Call for Constructive Engagement
Putin urged Kyiv and European capitals to take a "constructive" approach and avoid "provocations and backdoor plots" that could impede progress. He reiterated that the war could not conclude without addressing what he views as the "root causes" of the conflict: threats to Russia's security. "The situation in Ukraine concerns fundamental threats to our security," the Russian leader stated.
According to Putin, achieving lasting peace will require a fair balance of security in Europe and worldwide, along with guarantees for Ukraine. Although the Kremlin expresses a desire to end the situation in Ukraine, Putin insisted, "We are convinced that for a solution to be enduring and long-lasting, all root causes of the conflict must be addressed."
Unclear Terms and Future Prospects
Both leaders expressed willingness to continue working towards a resolution but did not clarify the terms of any potential agreement, leaving the outcome of the negotiations uncertain.
John Bolton, former National Security Advisor under President Trump, told CNN that Trump gained little from the meeting while Putin benefited significantly, as he evades sanctions and buys time. Meanwhile, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia during the Obama administration, stated in a social media post following the press conference that the U.S. should now increase its support for Ukraine.
"As expected, there is no agreement," she wrote. "Putin has always been buying time. It seems a cold splash of reality has hit U.S. plans. Putin does not want peace, nor is he willing to compromise."
"It's time to rapidly arm Ukraine and impose more sanctions. Russia must be defeated militarily for the Kremlin to negotiate," she asserted.
Key Questions on the Trump-Putin Meeting and Ukraine
What was the outcome of the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska?
The meeting concluded without any concrete details or confirmed agreements to end the conflict in Ukraine. Both leaders acknowledged some progress but did not specify any terms.
Why does Putin believe the war cannot end without addressing root causes?
Putin argues that the war is tied to fundamental security threats to Russia, and insists that resolving these underlying issues is essential for lasting peace.
What did U.S. officials say about the meeting's results?
U.S. officials, including John Bolton, expressed skepticism about the meeting's results, suggesting that Putin gained more by avoiding sanctions and buying time, while Trump achieved little.