The meeting between American President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska lasted for about three hours, but during this time, no concrete result of the Ukraine ceasefire came out. The two leaders met behind closed doors and no final agreement was reached during the talks, but Putin proposed to hold the next round of talks in Moscow. After the meeting, both the leaders held a press conference of only 12 minutes. During this time, he did not answer any questions of the journalists. During the press conference Trump said that I think our meeting was very positive. We agreed on many points, but there was no deal. Any settlement will only happen when it takes final shape.
At the same time, Putin said that Russia’s security is important to him. He suggested that the next meeting be held in Moscow. After speaking, both leaders immediately left the stage.
Highlights of the Trump-Putin press briefing:
- It is not known whether Trump-Putin had a 3-hour conversation.
- In the 12-minute long press conference, the two leaders did not answer the questions of any journalist.
- Trump said that the meeting was positive, but no final agreement was reached.
- Putin said that in order to end the war in Ukraine, it is necessary to eliminate its good cause.
- Putin said that if Trump was president in 2022, there would be no war in Ukraine.
Peace talks: Russia and Ukraine’s diverging positions
What is Russia asking for?
- Offer to withdraw Ukrainian troops from Kherson and Zaporizhia in addition to Donbass (Lugansk, Donetsk) and offer a 30-day ceasefire.
- In addition, Russia wants Ukraine to leave NATO membership, limit its military, give official status to the Russian language, and end Western military aid.
What is the situation in Ukraine?
Ukraine says that it will not leave the land, because it is against the country’s constitution. Justice wants to include guarantees and relief, such as the return of children and the full enforcement of the armistice. Ukraine has repeatedly said that “no peace agreement will succeed without Ukraine”.
Future prospects and international response
Some analysts are calling this summit a platform for President Trump’s political comeback, while Putin is seen getting global recognition and an opportunity to buy time. European leaders are advocating Ukraine’s role in the federal system and emphasizing its stake in peace talks. Now it is possible that the next meeting will be held in Moscow, which may include Ukraine, European countries and America.