The Alaska summit raised hopes but achieved little. Can Washington and Moscow reach peace without Ukraine at the table?
Share
What’s next for Ukraine? Trump and Putin leave the world guessing
/ DPA
Ian Proud
5 hours ago
The Alaska meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was historic in more ways than one — it’s rare for a US leader to host the head of a heavily sanctioned nation.
When Putin’s jet landed in Alaska on August 16, escorted by four US F-35s, and both leaders walked the red carpet, the symbolism was powerful. But after four hours of talks, the outcome for Ukraine remained uncertain.
While the tone hinted at progress, meaningful engagement with Kyiv remains the crucial next step toward peace. Since the war began in February 2022, Ukraine has sought to keep Putin isolated on the global stage, a stance reinforced by Western governments for more than a decade.
UK media, especially the BBC, were sharply critical. Correspondent Lyse Doucet warned the red-carpet welcome “crossed a red line,” while others accused Trump of granting Putin a win without extracting concessions.
Trump’s warm reception for Putin contrasted with his frosty Oval Office meeting with President Zelenskyy earlier this year. The US leader offered gestures of respect — riding together in the presidential limousine, letting Putin speak first at the press conference, and avoiding threats of new sanctions.
Both leaders voiced support for ending the war in a way acceptable to both sides. Putin praised Trump’s “sincere interest” in resolving the conflict, stressing Russia’s security concerns, while Trump said Putin wanted peace “as much as I do.”
