Zelensky to meet US president in Washington after Alaska talks.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska, for the first time in six years to discuss Russia’s war on Ukraine. Trump aimed to announce a ceasefire, but no agreement was reached. Putin described the negotiations as constructive and hinted at a path to peace. Trump mentioned many agreed points but noted a significant issue where consensus was not reached. Both leaders suggested the possibility of future meetings, with Trump mentioning potential heat over the idea of meeting in Moscow.
The summit concluded without a press conference, with both leaders making statements before leaving the room. Kremlin officials praised the talks as positive and productive, emphasizing the importance of economic cooperation between the U.S. and Russia. However, specific details of the discussions were not disclosed.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that a three-way summit involving the Russian, U.S., and Ukrainian presidents was not discussed during the Alaska meeting. The talks were seen as lacking progress towards ending the conflict in Ukraine, with Czech defense minister Jana Cernochova highlighting Putin's intentions to weaken Western unity.
President Trump mentioned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Putin were planning a meeting to work towards a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump expressed willingness to participate in the next meeting if needed. Melania Trump reportedly handed a letter to Putin from the First Lady addressing the situation of children in Ukraine and Russia.
Following the summit, Putin visited the Chukotka region in Russia's far east. The meeting between Trump and Putin did not result in a ceasefire deal, with ongoing clashes reported between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Trump advised Zelensky to make a deal with Putin, emphasizing the need for Ukraine to reach an agreement with Russia.
Putin and Trump claimed progress had been made towards ending the war in Ukraine but did not reach a ceasefire agreement. The leaders' meeting in Alaska did not result in the desired outcome, with the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continuing despite diplomatic efforts.