Putin says he and Trump reached an 'understanding' on Ukraine
wsiltv.com -- Friday, August 15, 2025, 7:28:19 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Foreign Policy & International Relations, U.S.–Russia Relations, Media Coverage & Press Relations
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he and President Donald Trump have reached an "understanding" on Ukraine and warned Europe not to "torpedo the nascent progress."
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (AP) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said he and President Donald Trump have reached an "understanding" on Ukraine and warned Europe not to "torpedo the nascent progress."
Speaking moments later, Trump said he'd yet to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy but that he'd be speaking to him and European leaders soon.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP's earlier story follows below.
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (AP) -- President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin met for about 2 1/2 half hours on Friday at a summit in Alaska that started with a handshake, a smile and a ride in the presidential limousine -- an unusually warm reception for a U.S. adversary responsible for launching the largest land war in Europe since 1945.
They planned to hold a joint news conference after talking together with top advisers behind closed doors on efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine.
When they greeted each other, they gripped hands for an extended period of time on a red carpet rolled out at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage. As they chatted, Putin grinned and pointed skyward, where B-2s and F-22s -- military aircraft designed to oppose Russia during the Cold War -- flew overhead.
Reporters nearby yelled, "President Putin, will you stop killing civilians?" and Russia's leader put his hand up to his ear as though to indicate he couldn't hear them. Trump and Putin then shared the U.S. presidential limo known as "The Beast" for a short ride to their meeting site, with Putin offering a broad smile as the vehicle rolled past the cameras.
It was the kind of reception typically reserved for close U.S. allies and belied the bloodshed and suffering in the war Putin started in Ukraine. Although not altogether surprising considering their longtime friendly relationship, such outward friendliness before hours of closed-door meetings is likely to raise concerns from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, who fear that Trump is primarily focusing on furthering U.S. interests and not pressing hard enough for Ukraine's.
Zelenskyy and European leaders were excluded from Trump and Putin's discussions, and Ukraine's president was left posting a video address in which he expressed his hope for a "strong position from the U.S."
"Everyone wants an honest end to the war. Ukraine is ready to work as productively as possible to end the war," he said, later adding, "The war continues and it continues precisely because there is no order, nor any signals from Moscow, that it is preparing to end this war."
The summit was a chance for Trump to prove he's a master dealmaker and peacemaker. He likes to brag about himself as a heavyweight negotiator and has boasted that he could easily find a way to bring the slaughter to a close -- a promise he's been unable to keep so far.
For Putin, it was an opportunity to try to negotiate a deal that would cement Russia's gains, block Kyiv's bid to join the NATO military alliance and eventually pull Ukraine back into Moscow's orbit.
Not meeting one-on-one anymore
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said shortly before Air Force One touched down that the previously planned one-on-one meeting between Trump and Putin was now a three-on-three discussion including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff. Putin was joined by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov.
The change seemed to indicate that the White House was taking a more guarded approach than it did during a 2018 meeting in Helsinki, where Trump and Putin met privately with their interpreters and Trump then shocked the world by siding with the Russian leader over U.S. intelligence officials on whether Russia meddled in the 2016 campaign.
The two leaders began their meeting Friday by sitting with their aides in front of a blue backdrop printed with "Alaska" and "Pursuing Peace." The pair are expected to hold a joint press conference at the end of the summit.
There are significant risks for Trump. By bringing Putin onto U.S. soil -- America bought Alaska from Russia in 1867 for roughly 2 cents per acre -- the president is giving him the validation he desires after his ostracization following his invasion of Ukraine 3 1/2 years ago.
Zelenskyy's exclusion is also a heavy blow to the West's policy of "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine" and invites the possibility that Trump could agree to a deal that Ukraine does not want.
Any success is far from assured, meanwhile, since Russia and Ukraine remain far apart in their demands for peace. Putin has long resisted any temporary ceasefire, linking it to a halt in Western arms supplies and a freeze on Ukraine's mobilization efforts, which are conditions rejected by Kyiv and its Western allies.
Trump said earlier in the week there was a 25% chance that the summit would fail, but he also floated the idea that if the meeting succeeds he could bring Zelenskyy to Alaska for a subsequent meeting with himself and Putin. He said during an interview on Air Force One that he might walk out quickly if the meeting wasn't going well, but that didn't happen.
Trump said before arriving in Alaska that he would push for an immediate ceasefire while expressing doubts about the possibility of achieving one. He has also suggested working for a broad peace deal to be done quickly. Russia has long favored a comprehensive deal to end the fighting, reflecting its demands, and not a temporary halt to hostilities.
Trump has offered shifting explanations for his meeting goals
Trump previously characterized the sit-down as " really a feel-out meeting." But he's also warned of "very severe consequences" for Russia if Putin doesn't agree to end the war.
Trump said his talks with Putin will include Russian demands that Ukraine cede territory as part of a peace deal, and that Ukraine has to decide on those -- but he also suggested Zelenskyy should accept concessions.
"I've got to let Ukraine make that decision. And I think they'll make a proper decision," Trump told reporters traveling with him to Anchorage.
Trump said there's "a possibility" of the United States offering Ukraine security guarantees alongside European powers, "but not in the form of NATO." Putin has fiercely resisted Ukraine joining the trans-Atlantic security alliance, a long-term goal for Ukrainians seeking to forge stronger ties with the West.
Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's supreme allied commander Europe, is also in Alaska to provide "military advice" to Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to a senior NATO military official who wasn't authorized to speak publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Grynkewich's presence is likely to be welcomed by European leaders who have tried to convince Trump to be firm with Putin and not deal over Kyiv's head.
War still raging
Foreign governments are watching closely to see how Trump reacts to Putin, likely gauging what the interaction might mean for their own dealings with the U.S. president, who has eschewed traditional diplomacy for his own transactional approach to relationships.
The meeting comes as the war has caused heavy losses on both sides and drained resources. Ukraine has held on far longer than some initially expected since the February 2022 invasion, but it is straining to hold off Russia's much larger army, grappling with bombardments of its cities and fighting for every inch on the over 600-mile (1,000-kilometer) front line.
Alaska is separated from Russia at its closest point by just 3 miles (less than 5 kilometers) and the international date line.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson was crucial to countering the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It continues to play a role today, as planes from the base still intercept Russian aircraft that regularly fly into U.S. airspace.
Weissert reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Matthew Lee and Jonathan J. Cooper in Washington, Elise Morton in London and Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report.
Sign Our PetitionThe recent summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, has reignited significant concerns regarding the geopolitical landscape and the implications for ongoing social struggles. From the outset, the warm reception between these two leaders stands in stark contrast to the realities of the war in Ukraine, which has resulted in untold suffering since Russia's invasion began. This juxtaposition highlights a fundamental issue in contemporary international relations: the prioritization of diplomatic theater over the urgent needs for justice, accountability, and humanitarian relief for those affected by war.
Historically, the U.S. and Russia have had a tumultuous relationship, characterized by periods of intense rivalry and strained diplomacy. The Cold War, which defined much of the 20th century, was marked by ideological clashes and military confrontations, leaving a legacy that still shapes global politics today. The recent summit appears to signal a concerning return to a transactional approach to international relations, where personal diplomacy and the optics of friendship overshadow the complex realities of state-sponsored violence and war crimes. This is particularly worrying when one considers that the large-scale conflict in Ukraine is not merely a geopolitical chess game but a humanitarian crisis that demands a compassionate and principled response from global leaders.
The choice of venue and the imagery surrounding the summit—a red carpet welcome and a shared ride in "The Beast," a symbol of American power—underscores the troubling normalization of relationships with authoritarian leaders. Such displays can embolden oppressive regimes while undermining the principles of international law and human rights. Putin's dismissive reaction to reporters’ pleas for accountability, conveyed through his theatrical gestures, emphasizes a dangerous trend where leaders can evade scrutiny and accountability while engaging in high-stakes negotiations. This imagery serves as a reminder of the global imbalance of power, where the voices of those suffering are drowned out by the pomp and pageantry of political elites.
Moreover, the exclusion of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders from these critical discussions raises alarm bells about the disregard for the voices and rights of those most directly affected by the conflict. Zelenskyy's expression of hope for a "strong position from the U.S." is juxtaposed with the reality of being sidelined in discussions that will shape Ukraine's future. This highlights a recurring theme in international relations, where the interests of powerful nations often take precedence over the needs and perspectives of smaller states. It presents an opportunity for advocates and activists to emphasize the necessity of inclusive diplomacy that prioritizes the voices of impacted communities, particularly marginalized groups whose lives have been irrevocably altered by conflict and displacement.
The broader implications of this summit extend beyond the immediate concerns of Ukraine. The prioritization of U.S. interests, as suggested by Trump's approach, can lead to a disregard for international solidarity and cooperative security frameworks. In the face of global challenges—such as climate change, economic inequality, and systemic racism—this transactional mindset is counterproductive. It is essential to foster alliances based on shared values and a commitment to social justice, rather than mere political expediency. By engaging in strategies that support mutual respect and collective action, countries can work toward a more equitable and just world.
In conclusion, the recent summit between Putin and Trump highlights a critical juncture in international relations, where the interplay of power, ideology, and human suffering must be navigated with care and compassion. As advocates for social justice and humanitarian accountability, it is imperative to challenge the normalization of relationships with authoritarian figures and to demand a foreign policy that reflects the values of equity and justice. By holding leaders accountable and advocating for a diplomatic approach that includes the voices of those most affected by conflict, we can push for a future that prioritizes peace, justice, and humanity over power and profit.
The recent meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska has raised significant concerns about the United States’ approach to foreign policy, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With Putin claiming an "understanding" on Ukraine, the implications of their discussions extend far beyond the two leaders and directly impact the lives of countless civilians caught in the crossfire. The optics of their seemingly friendly encounter, characterized by prolonged handshakes and smiles, starkly contrast with the grim realities of the war that Putin instigated—one that has resulted in immense suffering and loss of life for the Ukrainian people. This juxtaposition serves as a reminder of the need for a more principled and humane approach to international relations.
Historically, the U.S. has taken a firm stance against Russian aggression, particularly since the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent military actions in Eastern Ukraine. This conflict has been marked by a significant violation of international law, and the U.S. has traditionally supported Ukraine through various means, including military aid and sanctions against Russia. However, Trump's overt friendliness towards Putin during this summit raises troubling questions about the commitment of the U.S. government to uphold its values and support allied nations in their time of need. The absence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from discussions that directly affect his country’s future is not only a diplomatic slight but also a dangerous precedent that could embolden further aggression from Russia.
As Americans, there are several actions we can take to address these developments and advocate for a foreign policy that prioritizes human rights and international stability. First and foremost, it is essential to engage in informed discussions with our representatives, urging them to maintain robust support for Ukraine and to hold Russia accountable for its actions. This can involve advocating for continued military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, as well as supporting sanctions aimed at crippling the economic networks that enable Russia’s military operations. By pressuring our leaders to take a stand, we can help ensure that U.S. foreign policy reflects the values of democracy and justice, rather than mere transactional interests.
Moreover, it is crucial to foster awareness within our communities about the implications of these high-level meetings. Educational initiatives, grassroots campaigns, and social media advocacy can play a significant role in amplifying the voices of those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. By sharing information about the humanitarian crisis and the geopolitical stakes involved, we can mobilize public opinion to demand accountability from our leaders. A well-informed electorate is a powerful force in shaping foreign policy, and it is up to us to ensure that the narratives surrounding these issues are accurate and compelling.
In addition to advocating for support for Ukraine, we must also examine the historical context of U.S.-Russia relations. The Cold War legacy continues to influence contemporary political dynamics, and understanding this history can inform our current perspectives. Engaging in dialogues that connect past events to present realities can help us articulate the need for a more coherent and principled approach to foreign policy—one that does not compromise ethical considerations for the sake of political expediency. By emphasizing the importance of human rights and the rule of law, we can challenge narratives that normalize appeasement towards authoritarian regimes.
In conclusion, the recent summit between Trump and Putin serves as a crucial reminder of the need for a principled and compassionate approach to international affairs. As engaged citizens, we have the responsibility to advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of those affected by conflict and uphold the values of democracy and human rights. By mobilizing our communities, educating ourselves and others, and holding our leaders accountable, we can ensure that the U.S. plays a constructive role in fostering peace and stability in Ukraine and beyond. The path forward may be challenging, but it is one that we must undertake with urgency and resolve.
The recent developments surrounding the meeting between President Trump and President Putin regarding Ukraine raise significant concerns about the geopolitical landscape and humanitarian implications. Here is a detailed action plan for individuals who are passionate about advocating for peace, supporting Ukraine, and ensuring that the voices of those affected by the war are heard.
### Personal Actions to Take
1. **Stay Informed and Educate Others**: - Follow reputable news sources for updates on the situation in Ukraine and international relations. - Share information through social media platforms to raise awareness about the conflict and its repercussions.
2. **Support Ukrainian Refugees**: - Volunteer at local refugee assistance organizations or donate to charities that support Ukrainian refugees, such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC) or the Ukrainian Red Cross.
3. **Engage in Grassroots Movements**: - Join or form local activist groups focused on international peace and supporting Ukraine. Participate in events, rallies, or discussions to amplify the message.
### Specific Actions and Petitions
1. **Sign Petitions**: - **Petition for Increased Aid to Ukraine**: Find petitions on platforms like Change.org or MoveOn.org that advocate for additional military and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine. - Example: Search for petitions like "Support Ukraine's Defense Against Aggression" on Change.org.
2. **Contact Elected Officials**: - Write to your congressional representatives to express your concerns about the U.S. stance on Ukraine and to urge them to support legislation that provides aid and assistance. - **Who to Write To**: - **U.S. Senators**: Find your senator's contact info at [senate.gov](https://www.senate.gov). - **U.S. Representatives**: Visit [house.gov](https://www.house.gov) to get contact details.
3. **Sample Letters**: - When writing, consider using the following template: ``` Dear [Representative/Senator Name],
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine and the recent meeting between President Trump and President Putin. It is crucial that the U.S. takes a strong stance to support Ukraine in its quest for peace and stability.
I urge you to advocate for increased humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine and to ensure that any negotiations prioritize the sovereignty and safety of the Ukrainian people.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Email] ```
### Engage with Local and National Organizations
1. **Join Advocacy Groups**: - Organizations such as the Ukrainian National Women's League of America (UNWLA) and the International Coalition for Human Rights in Ukraine offer platforms to engage in advocacy.
2. **Participate in Local Events**: - Attend town hall meetings or community forums where representatives discuss foreign policy and international relations. Use these platforms to voice your concerns regarding U.S. involvement in Ukraine.
3. **Utilize Social Media**: - Use platforms like Twitter and Facebook to directly tag and message your representatives about your concerns. For example, tweet at @SpeakerPelosi or @SenSchumer to emphasize the need for strong support for Ukraine.
### Connect with the Ukrainian Community
1. **Attend Cultural Events**: - Participate in Ukrainian cultural festivals or events in your area to learn more about the culture and the impact of the war on the community.
2. **Listen to Ukrainian Voices**: - Support Ukrainian artists, authors, and speakers who can share their experiences and perspectives.
### Conclusion
By taking these steps, we can collectively create a loud and clear message that highlights the importance of supporting Ukraine and ensuring that those in power prioritize peace and human rights over political maneuvering. Each action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement for justice and humanitarian support in the face of aggression.