Trump Leaves Alaska Summit with Putin Without Ukraine Peace Agreement as Talks End with No Concrete Progress on War Resolution

Published Time: 08-16-2025, 11:45

President Donald Trump left Alaska on Friday without securing an agreement from Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, despite high-profile talks that drew global attention. The meeting, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, was Trump’s most visible effort yet to fulfill his pledge of bringing the conflict to a close. Instead, the summit highlighted how far apart Washington and Moscow remain.

While both leaders described the conversation as “productive,” no concrete steps emerged toward halting the war, which has entered its fourth year. Analysts say the summit underscored both the challenges of diplomacy and the risks of granting Russia international recognition without tangible progress.

Trump’s Push for a Deal Falls Short

Trump, who campaigned on promises to end U.S. involvement in foreign wars, sought to present himself as a dealmaker capable of brokering peace. Speaking after the summit, he told reporters, “There’s no deal until there’s a deal.”

Putin, however, described the talks as yielding an “understanding” on Ukraine, while warning European leaders not to “torpedo nascent progress.” Trump said he would update Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European counterparts in the coming days.

Despite threats of additional economic sanctions against Russia, Trump extended an unusually warm welcome to Putin, complete with a red-carpet reception and ceremonial military displays. Yet, he left Alaska without commitments to pause hostilities or address core issues at the heart of the war.

Ukraine Left Out of the Conversation

One of the most notable aspects of the summit was the exclusion of President Zelenskyy from direct participation. The White House confirmed that the meeting, originally planned as a one-on-one session, became a six-person discussion involving U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff alongside their Russian counterparts.

This format stood in contrast to the West’s stated policy of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” Analysts and European diplomats expressed concern that sidelining Kyiv could weaken Ukraine’s position in future negotiations.

During a later Fox News interview, Trump suggested that responsibility might shift toward Zelenskyy “to get it done,” though he added that European nations would play a role as well.

Putin Gains Recognition on U.S. Soil

For Putin, the Alaska visit was significant in its symbolism. It marked his first appearance in the United States in more than a decade, offering a high-profile stage after years of international isolation. Western governments have sought to marginalize the Kremlin leader since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and his government’s crackdown on dissent.

Putin praised Trump as a leader who “sincerely cares about the prosperity of his country” and “shows understanding that Russia has its own national interests.” He framed the meeting as an opportunity to restore “businesslike, pragmatic relations” between Washington and Moscow.

Observers note that even without concessions, the optics of the meeting allowed Putin to project legitimacy while his forces continue to make gains on the battlefield.

Optics of Friendship Raise Concerns

The tone of the summit drew attention. Upon arrival, Trump and Putin shared a long handshake and rode together in the presidential limousine. Military aircraft, including B-2 bombers and F-22 fighters—symbols of U.S. deterrence during the Cold War—flew overhead.

While such gestures projected cordiality, they contrasted sharply with the ongoing destruction in Ukraine. European officials privately expressed concerns that Trump’s emphasis on optics and rapport may overshadow the urgent need to pressure Moscow into serious negotiations.

A Strategic but Unresolved Conflict

The summit took place as the war continues to exact a heavy toll. Ukraine, while defying initial expectations since Russia’s 2022 invasion, faces sustained bombardments, manpower shortages, and battlefield challenges across a front line stretching more than 600 miles.

Putin has consistently resisted calls for a ceasefire unless tied to conditions Kyiv and its allies reject—such as halting Western arms supplies and freezing Ukrainian mobilization. These demands remain non-starters for Ukraine, leaving little room for immediate compromise.

With Alaska only three miles across the Bering Strait from Russia at its closest point, the setting also underscored the geopolitical stakes. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, where the talks were held, played a crucial role in U.S. defenses against the Soviet Union during the Cold War and continues to monitor Russian aircraft activity in the region.

Looking Ahead

Despite leaving without an agreement, both leaders hinted at further dialogue. Trump thanked Putin for attending and suggested another meeting could take place soon, even entertaining the possibility of traveling to Moscow.

“I could see it possibly happening,” Trump said, acknowledging potential criticism of such a move.

For now, however, the summit concluded without measurable progress toward peace. As Ukraine’s war drags on and Russia presses forward, the failure to secure even a temporary pause reflects the enduring complexity of one of the world’s most dangerous conflicts.