Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska: Summit ends without breakthrough

Expectations for the summit between Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin (72) and US PresidentDonald Trump (79) were high. But after the talks in Alaska, which lasted only three hours instead of seven, many questions simply remained unanswered. And for Putin, the images from the meeting were perhaps more valuable than any written agreement. The US president offered the Kremlin chief, who has been waging a war of aggression against Ukraine since February 2022, a major stage on American soil.

Shortly after the two met at a military base in the city of Anchorage, much of the content remained vague. "There's no deal until there's a deal," Trump—the self-proclaimed dealmaker and peacemaker—said only in the subsequent press statement. He said they had an "extremely productive meeting," "many points" had been agreed upon, and only a few remained open—one of which was particularly significant. However, he first wanted to speak by phone with NATO allies and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (47).

Trump did not discuss new tariffs against Russia or its trading partners. He said just as little about the prisoner exchange as he did about possible territorial cessions. The US president didn't even mention the word "ceasefire." Yet this was precisely the core point that Kyiv and its European allies had insisted on: an unconditional ceasefire is a prerequisite for even entering into further negotiations with the Kremlin. Putin, on the other hand, has repeatedly made it clear that he categorically rejects such a ceasefire. He demands, for example, an end to Western arms deliveries to Ukraine and a halt to mobilization in the country in exchange for a ceasefire.

In Alaska, too, Putin remained firm in his commitment to first eliminating the "root causes" of the conflict. During his press statement, the Kremlin chief expressed his gratitude that Trump was attempting to get to the root causes. Like his host, Putin did not address the comprehensive ceasefire demanded by Zelensky, the Europeans—and, before the meeting, by Trump. At the same time, he asserted his desire to end the war. At least he acknowledged that Ukraine's security must also be considered.

Tangible results were replaced by images of high symbolic significance. Trump—ever the entertainer—staged the first meeting between a sitting US president and the Kremlin chief in over four years as a friendly, eye-to-eye meeting. Air Force One had long since landed, but the Republican took his time getting off—until the Russian plane carrying Putin had also arrived.

The Russian president received a red carpet, a hearty handshake, and then – rather unusual in diplomatic protocol – a joint ride in the armored presidential limousine. The joint statement took place in front of the slogan "Pursuing Peace" printed in large letters – "Pursuing Peace" in the war that Trump's guest himself instigated. Also striking: The Republican gave the Kremlin chief precedence in addressing the press. Putin seized the opportunity and spoke twice as long as his host. Questions were not allowed.

The US President thus granted Putin the statesmanlike legitimacy that Europe has denied him for years. It is remarkable that he publicly paved the way for a head of state accused by the West of warmongering. An arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court in The Hague has been in place against Putin since March 2023 – primarily on charges of being responsible for the abduction of thousands of children from occupied Ukrainian territories. Unlike the European Union or Canada , which borders Alaska, neither the US nor Russia recognize the court. Washington is therefore not obligated to implement the arrest warrant.

The Republican actually needs concrete progress, even in front of his own supporters. During the election campaign, he repeatedly claimed he could end the war within 24 hours. While the majority of his "Make America Great Again" camp still supports him, they likely expect some kind of results in the end.

The fact that there was a slant in this regard in Alaska was even heard on Trump's right-wing home network, Fox News. It seemed as if Putin had come into the press room and "ran over everything." He said everything he wanted to say, one reporter commented. "And then he had his picture taken next to the president and left."

In the months leading up to the summit, Trump repeatedly sent contradictory signals. At times, he openly praised the Kremlin chief, expressing admiration for his demeanor and leadership style. At other times, according to NBC News, he declared he was downright "pissed off" with Putin. He accused him of putting on a friendly face in talks with the US regarding peace negotiations in the Ukraine war, only to subsequently drop bombs on Ukraine again. Most recently, the US president exerted pressure by threatening tariffs on Russia's key trading partners.

At least on stage, there was no trace of this show of force. Trump appeared unusually reserved, rather pale. Putin, on the other hand, already had the next meeting in mind. He wanted to continue his trusting exchange with the US president – perhaps next time in Moscow, Putin teased in English. Trump didn't decline and immediately began working on his narrative: In a TV interview, he gave the summit a 10 out of 10 rating.