Putin, Trump sit down to discuss fate of Ukraine as summit gets under way
gmanetwork.com -- Friday, August 15, 2025, 4:57:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Foreign Policy & International Relations, U.S.–Russia Relations, U.S. Elections & Voting Rights
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met face-to-face in Alaska on Friday in a high-stakes meeting that could determine whether a ceasefire can be reached in the deadliest war in Europe since World War Two.
Ahead of the summit, Trump greeted the Russian leader on a red carpet on the tarmac at a US Air Force base. The two shook hands warmly and touched each other on the arm before riding in Trump's limo to the summit site nearby.
The two leaders sat silently with their respective delegations seated to the side in their first meeting since 2019. They were seated in front of a blue backdrop that had the words, "Pursuing Peace" printed on it.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who was not invited to the talks, and his European allies fear Trump might sell out Ukraine by essentially freezing the conflict with Russia and recognizing - if only informally - Russian control over one-fifth of Ukraine.
Earlier, Trump sought to assuage such concerns as he boarded Air Force One, saying he would let Ukraine decide on any possible territorial swaps. "I'm not here to negotiate for Ukraine, I'm here to get them at a table," he said.
Asked what would make the meeting a success, he told reporters: "I want to see a ceasefire rapidly ... I'm not going to be happy if it's not today ... I want the killing to stop."
Trump was joined in his meeting with Putin by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump's special envoy to Russia, Steve Witkoff.
At a subsequent larger, bilateral meeting, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and chief of staff Susie Wiles will also join Trump, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
The Russian officials accompanying Putin in the talks with the US delegation will be foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Trump hopes a truce in the 3-1/2-year-old war that Putin started will bring peace to the region as well as bolster his credentials as a global peacemaker worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize.
For Putin, the summit is already a big win that he can portray as evidence that years of Western attempts to isolate Russia have unraveled and that Moscow is retaking its rightful place at the top table of international diplomacy.
Trump, who once said he would end Russia's war in Ukraine within 24 hours, conceded on Thursday it had proven a tougher task than he had expected. He said if Friday's talks went well, quickly arranging a second, three-way summit with Zelenskiy would be even more important than his encounter with Putin.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a three-way summit would be possible if the Alaska talks bore fruit, Interfax news agency reported. Peskov also said Friday's talks could last six to seven hours.
Zelenskiy said the summit should open the way for a "just peace" and three-way talks that included him, but added that Russia was continuing to wage war. A Russian ballistic missile earlier struck Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, killing one person and wounding another.
"It's time to end the war, and the necessary steps must be taken by Russia. We are counting on America," Zelenskiy wrote on the Telegram messaging app.
'Smart guy'
Trump said before the summit that there is mutual respect between him and Putin.
"He is a smart guy, been doing it for a long time, but so have I ... We get along, there's a good respect level on both sides," Trump said of Putin. He also welcomed Putin's decision to bring businesspeople to Alaska.
"But they're not doing business until we get the war settled," he said, repeating a threat of "economically severe" consequences for Russia if the summit goes badly.
The United States has had internal discussions on using Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker vessels to support the development of gas and LNG projects in Alaska as one of the possible deals to aim for, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
One source acquainted with Kremlin thinking said there were signs Moscow could be ready to strike a compromise on Ukraine, given that Putin understood Russia's economic vulnerability and costs of continuing the war.
Reuters has previously reported that Putin might be willing to freeze the conflict along the front lines, provided there was a legally binding pledge not to enlarge NATO eastwards and to lift some Western sanctions. NATO has said Ukraine's future is in the alliance.
Russia, whose war economy is showing strain, is vulnerable to further US sanctions - and Trump has threatened tariffs on buyers of Russian crude, primarily China and India.
"For Putin, economic problems are secondary to goals, but he understands our vulnerability and costs," the Russian source said.
Putin this week held out the prospect of something else he knows Trump wants - a new nuclear arms control accord to replace the last surviving one, which is due to expire in February.
Common ground?
The source familiar with Kremlin thinking said it looked as if the two sides had been able to find some common ground.
"Apparently, some terms will be agreed upon ... because Trump cannot be refused, and we are not in a position to refuse (due to sanctions pressure)," said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the matter's sensitivity.
Putin has said he is open to a full ceasefire but that issues of verification must first be sorted out. One compromise could be a truce in the air war.
Zelenskiy has ruled out formally handing Moscow any territory and is also seeking a security guarantee backed by the United States.
Ukrainians who spoke to Reuters in central Kyiv on Friday were not optimistic about the summit.
"Nothing good will happen there, because war is war, it will not end. The territories - we're not going to give anything to anyone," said Tetiana Harkavenko, a 65-year-old cleaner. -- Reuters
Sign Our PetitionThe recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a war that has ravaged the region since 2014. As representatives of two powerful nations sit down to discuss the fate of a country that is not even present at the table, we must critically examine the implications of such diplomacy. The optics of a red-carpet welcome and congenial handshakes may mask the gravity of the situation and the historical context that has led to this moment. The war in Ukraine, ignited by Russia's annexation of Crimea and subsequent support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, has been characterized by a struggle for sovereignty, national identity, and territorial integrity.
Historically, Ukraine's geopolitical significance has placed it at the crossroads of Western and Eastern influences, leading to a long-standing tension between Russia and Western powers. This summit symbolizes not just a negotiation over borders but a larger conflict over the values that define international relations today. The failure to include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in these talks raises questions about the legitimacy of the dialogue and the respect for Ukraine's sovereignty. It is reminiscent of historical moments when powerful nations have disregarded the voices of smaller nations during negotiations, such as the Treaty of Versailles after World War I, where the fate of nations was determined without their input. The exclusion of Zelenskyy sends a disheartening message to the Ukrainian people, who have endured immense suffering and loss.
Moreover, the sentiments expressed by Trump—his desire for a quick ceasefire and the framing of the meeting as an opportunity for peace—can be seen as overly simplistic in the face of such a complex crisis. While the desire to stop the killing is commendable, it is crucial to ensure that any peace achieved does not come at the expense of justice for the Ukrainian people. The danger lies in a potential "freeze" of the conflict, which could inadvertently legitimize Russia's territorial gains and further entrench the division in Ukraine. This scenario echoes the plight of nations that have been forced to accept compromises that disregard their sovereignty, often resulting in long-term instability.
Trump's ambition to emerge as a global peacemaker raises another critical issue: the motivations behind such diplomacy. The pursuit of a Nobel Peace Prize should not overshadow the fundamental need for a solution that genuinely addresses the aspirations of those affected by the conflict. The notion that a U.S. president can broker peace in a matter of hours or days ignores the realities of complex socio-political dynamics and the deep wounds inflicted by years of violence. A superficial ceasefire without addressing the root causes of the conflict and the rights of the Ukrainian people may yield short-term benefits for Trump but would ultimately undermine the long-term stability of the region.
This summit further illustrates the ongoing struggle for self-determination faced by nations caught in the crossfire of great power politics. The international community must be vigilant and critical of any agreements that could arise from this meeting, ensuring that they are rooted in respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and the principles of international law. The historical context of Ukraine's plight, combined with the current geopolitical landscape, calls for a commitment to justice rather than mere expedience. As the world watches, it is essential for advocates of peace and justice to remind policymakers that true peace can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue that honors the voices of all those affected by conflict.
The recent summit between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin in Alaska marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a conflict that has resulted in catastrophic human suffering and geopolitical instability. At the heart of this summit lies not just the fate of Ukraine, but also the broader implications for democracy and international relations. The historical context of this conflict is essential; since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea, Ukraine has found itself on the frontlines of a struggle against a more assertive Russia that seeks to expand its influence. The war has become a symbol of resistance not just for Ukraine but for the principles of sovereignty and self-determination that are cornerstones of international law.
As we consider the implications of the summit, it is disheartening to see that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was not invited to the talks. His absence underscores a troubling pattern of sidelining those directly affected by international negotiations, which serves to diminish the agency of nations like Ukraine in their own destiny. The optics of Trump and Putin, two leaders with a history of controversial decisions, shaking hands and discussing "peace" without the involvement of Ukraine, raises flags about the potential for a resolution that prioritizes political expediency over justice and the rights of the Ukrainian people. This situation serves as a reminder that effective diplomacy should be inclusive and representative of all stakeholders involved.
Historically, the U.S. has positioned itself as a defender of democracy and human rights. However, the message sent by this summit is more ambiguous. Trump's remarks about allowing Ukraine to make decisions regarding territorial swaps suggest a willingness to compromise Ukrainian sovereignty for the sake of political expedience. This is a dangerous precedent, one that could embolden authoritarian regimes and undermine trust in international agreements. The prospect of a ceasefire is indeed a step towards peace, but it should not come at the cost of Ukrainian rights and territorial integrity. In this context, the U.S. must reaffirm its commitment to uphold democratic values and support Ukraine's right to self-determination.
As concerned citizens, what can we do in response to this summit and the broader implications it carries? First, we must engage in grassroots advocacy that amplifies the voices of Ukrainians and supports their struggle. This includes urging our representatives to prioritize policies that support Ukraine, including military aid and diplomatic recognition, while holding accountable any attempts to undermine their sovereignty. We can also support organizations that provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict, ensuring that we do not lose sight of the human cost of these geopolitical maneuvers.
Educationally, it is vital to foster discussions that challenge the narratives surrounding U.S.-Russia relations. A deeper understanding of the historical roots of the Ukrainian conflict, including the role of NATO and the European Union, can empower individuals to engage in informed dialogues. We can encourage our peers to examine the consequences of appeasement politics and to question the underlying motivations behind the decisions made at summits like the one in Alaska. Engaging in community discussions, writing op-eds, or utilizing social media platforms can help to raise awareness and keep this critical issue in the public discourse.
In conclusion, the summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska serves as a pivotal moment that highlights the complexities of international diplomacy in a time of war. While the desire for a ceasefire is noble, it must not come at the expense of justice for Ukraine. As we move forward, we must remain vigilant in our advocacy for democracy, human rights, and the principles of international law. By actively engaging in these conversations, supporting affected populations, and educating ourselves and others, we can contribute to a more just and equitable approach to international relations—one that prioritizes the voices of those most affected by conflict.
The recent summit between President Trump and President Putin in Alaska highlights critical issues surrounding international diplomacy, military conflict, and the future of Ukraine. As citizens, there are several actions we can take to engage in this conversation, advocate for peace, and support those affected by the ongoing conflict.
### Personal Actions to Advocate for Peace and Support Ukraine
1. **Educate Yourself and Others**: - Stay informed about the situation in Ukraine and the dynamics of U.S.-Russia relations. Share information with friends and family to raise awareness.
2. **Sign Petitions**: - **Petition for Peace in Ukraine**: Look for online petitions that advocate for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine. Websites like Change.org often host relevant petitions. - Example: "End Military Aid to Ukraine Until a Ceasefire is Achieved" could be a petition to support. Search for active petitions and sign those promoting dialogue over conflict.
3. **Contact Elected Officials**: - Write to your congressional representatives urging them to support Ukraine's sovereignty and advocate for a peaceful resolution. - **Who to Write**: - Find your representative's contact information on the official [House of Representatives](https://www.house.gov/) website. - **Example:** Rep. Adam Schiff (California) - Email: [schiff.house.gov/contact](https://schiff.house.gov/contact), or USPS Address: 1508 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515. - Include a personal message about the importance of supporting Ukraine and advocating for peace.
4. **Engage in Local Activism**: - Join local organizations focused on international peace and humanitarian efforts. Participate in rallies, discussions, or community events that promote awareness about the conflict in Ukraine. - Example organizations: Amnesty International (visit their local chapters) or the Ukrainian National Women's League of America.
5. **Support Ukrainian Initiatives**: - Contribute to humanitarian efforts. Organizations like the Ukrainian Red Cross or GlobalGiving have programs focused on providing support to those affected by the conflict. - **Donation Example**: Visit the [Ukrainian Red Cross](https://redcross.org.ua/en/) for donation options.
6. **Advocate for Diplomatic Solutions**: - Write opinion pieces or letters to the editor in local newspapers expressing the necessity of diplomatic resolutions to international conflicts, emphasizing the importance of including Ukraine in discussions. - Address your letters to the editor of your local publication, ensuring you follow their submission guidelines.
7. **Use Social Media for Advocacy**: - Utilize platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to raise awareness about the situation in Ukraine, share relevant articles, and encourage others to take action. - Use hashtags like #StandWithUkraine or #PeaceForUkraine to connect with broader movements.
8. **Attend Town Halls or Community Meetings**: - Participate in local government meetings or town halls to voice your concerns about foreign policy and urge local representatives to advocate for peace in Ukraine.
### What to Say
When contacting officials or participating in discussions, consider the following points:
- Emphasize the urgency of a ceasefire and the need for diplomatic dialogue involving all stakeholders, particularly the Ukrainian government. - Express concern about the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict and the importance of supporting those affected. - Advocate for policies that prioritize peace, negotiation, and respect for Ukraine's sovereignty.
By being proactive and engaged, we can contribute to a more informed and compassionate discourse surrounding the situation in Ukraine, pushing for solutions that prioritize human life and diplomatic resolutions over military actions.