Author : Colin Harischandra
Anchorage, Alaska – Hopes for a breakthrough on the war in Ukraine faded on Friday as U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin ended their high-profile summit in Alaska without reaching an agreement on a ceasefire.
The summit, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, was framed as an opportunity to discuss ending the conflict that has raged in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022. After a red-carpet welcome and a military flyover, the two leaders met privately for nearly three hours, accompanied only by two senior aides.
In brief statements afterward, Mr. Trump described the meeting as “extremely productive,” while Mr. Putin referred vaguely to “agreements.” However, neither leader mentioned a ceasefire. A planned expanded session involving more U.S. and Russian officials was canceled, and the summit wrapped up earlier than scheduled.
Speaking later in an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, taped in Alaska, Mr. Trump placed the responsibility for any deal squarely on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“It’s up to President Zelensky,” Trump said. “And I’m telling the European nations, they need to get involved a little bit. But that’s up to President Zelensky.”
Mr. Zelensky has previously indicated willingness to discuss a ceasefire as a step toward a broader peace treaty, but Moscow has rejected such proposals. Mr. Trump suggested that Putin “wants to end the war,” though analysts cautioned against that assumption.
The summit ended earlier than planned, with Mr. Trump departing Air Force One around 4 p.m. local time—more than an hour ahead of the original White House schedule. The anticipated working lunch between U.S. and Russian delegations was scrapped. The Kremlin released video of Mr. Putin shaking hands with Mr. Trump before boarding his own plane.
Closing the event, Mr. Trump told Putin, “We’ll talk to you very soon.” Putin, switching to English, replied, “Next time in Moscow.”
Analysts warned that while Trump seeks a quick path to peace, Moscow may use negotiations to advance its own agenda.
Bradley Bowman, senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said Putin wants the U.S. to cut aid to Ukraine, “to more effectively victimize Ukraine,” while portraying Russia as the wronged party.
John Lough, a Russia expert at Chatham House, predicted Moscow would present proposals designed to appeal to Trump, who might then press Ukraine and European allies to accept a flawed peace deal.
Filed by Colin Harischandra, DXB News Network International Correspondent.
Disclaimer: This report is based on official statements, media sources, and expert commentary. DXB News Network remains committed to factual, neutral, and responsible reporting.
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