Trump-Putin Alaska Summit: 5 Key Takeaways as Trump Urges Zelenskyy to ‘Make a Deal’
Trump-Putin Alaska Summit Ends Without Ukraine Deal as Trump Tells Zelenskyy to ‘Make a Deal’
The much-anticipated Alaska summit between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin ended on a tense note, as no formal agreement was reached regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. While Trump hailed the discussions as “productive,” he admitted that “there’s no deal until there’s a deal.”
The meeting, held in Anchorage, drew global attention as it marked Trump’s most direct attempt at mediating an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict since leaving office. However, his public remarks sparked controversy when he advised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to “make a deal” with Moscow. Analysts warn this stance risks placing pressure on Kyiv rather than Moscow, further complicating the delicate balance of negotiations.
During the summit, Trump avoided detailed disclosures about the closed-door talks. Instead, he ended the media briefing without taking questions, leaving journalists and global observers frustrated. Putin, however, extended an invitation to Trump for a future visit to Moscow, hinting at continued discussions between the two leaders.
According to insiders, some of the discussions touched on potential land swaps and vague security guarantees. Yet, no specifics were outlined, leaving uncertainty about whether such proposals are viable or acceptable to Ukraine and its allies. Significantly, President Zelenskyy was excluded from the talks, raising criticism that Ukraine’s future was being discussed without its direct involvement.
Zelenskyy responded firmly after the summit, rejecting any notion of a deal that excludes his government or involves territorial concessions. He emphasized that Ukraine must remain central to negotiations, asserting that “nothing about Ukraine can be decided without Ukraine.”
Western governments, particularly NATO members, have expressed concern over the lack of progress at the Alaska summit. While the meeting was filled with political theater and symbolic gestures, critics say the absence of a ceasefire roadmap shows that the war is no closer to resolution.
Observers also pointed out that Trump’s remarks could weaken Ukraine’s negotiating position while easing pressure on Putin. By shifting responsibility onto Kyiv, Trump risks emboldening Russia’s strategy and prolonging the conflict.
Despite the lack of results, Trump suggested that future talks could include not only himself and Putin but also President Zelenskyy, raising the possibility of a trilateral framework. European leaders are closely monitoring the situation, aware that any outcome from Trump-led diplomacy could significantly reshape the dynamics of the war.
The Alaska summit, while historic, has so far produced more questions than answers. For now, Ukraine continues to fight for its sovereignty, Russia remains entrenched in its positions, and the world waits to see whether Trump’s efforts will yield any breakthrough, or further complications.
