The highly anticipated Trump-Putin meeting in Anchorage promised progress on Ukraine but ended with no agreement, leaving both leaders offering cautious words and little substance.
What was billed as a historic opportunity to forge peace in Ukraine ended in disappointment on Friday as US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin departed Alaska without a deal.
Putin was greeted with red carpet ceremony and a lengthy handshake at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, setting a warm stage for difficult talks. But after just under three hours—far shorter than the expected seven—the summit closed with no concrete progress and only carefully scripted remarks to the press.
Key Takeaways:
🔹 “No Deal Until There’s a Deal”
Trump admitted that while “many points were agreed to,” the two sides remain divided on at least one “significant” issue. He stressed there was a “good chance” for a ceasefire eventually, but added bluntly: “There’s no deal until there’s a deal.”
🔹 Putin’s Warning to the West
Putin declared Russia’s commitment to ending the war but insisted that the conflict’s “primary causes” must first be addressed. He issued a warning to Ukraine and the EU against “provocations” and “backroom dealings” that could sabotage fragile progress.
🔹 Subdued Trump
Gone was Trump’s trademark bravado. The US leader cut a noticeably restrained figure, calling the meeting “extremely productive” but offering little detail. He emphasized that ultimate responsibility lay with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In the end, the summit produced more symbolism than substance. The image of Trump and Putin smiling in Alaska contrasted sharply with the reality: no ceasefire, no breakthrough, and no roadmap forward.
For now, the war grinds on.
