Alaska summit between Trump and Putin gives warm words but no deals

This was a moment for television: two leaders met on the asphalt in the joint base of Elmendorf-Richardson in Ancoridge, Alaska, Air Force One and Two F-35 militants in the background. When they went together, the overhead came Thunder of these f-35 and then low, almost ghostly sweeping borb B-2 .

A few hours after discussing the closed doors, President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin They appeared again – this time on the raised stage, each behind the stands, the US and the Russian flags that fit both sides, with the blue background behind them, on which the “chase peace”. It was the first American summit between US and Russian US military.

Trump, Putin is wrapped in an “extremely productive” summit, but “no” after the war

Trump spent days rehearsing through safe calls with European leaders and President of Ukrainian Valodimir ZelenskyCoordinating the “red lines” to take a meeting: no territorial concessions to Russia, Ukraine in the room for all negotiations and precise conditions for any sanctions. However, despite the military pompous pompous and careful stagcra, what appeared from Alaska was not a transaction, but a diplomatic pause – warm words, subtle details and hard work.

Careful press conference

Putin first spoke, describing the negotiations as “constructive and mutual respect.” He reminded of moments in history when the US and Russia “worked together” and said he was looking for a “long -term settlement”. He acknowledged the “legitimate problems” of Russia and stated that “it is very important for our countries to translate the page”. In the conversation, he described “a reliable tone” and praised Trump for “a good idea of what he wants.” Putin claimed to be a line, clearly directed at the camera home that Trump had told him that if he were president before, “there would be no war” and confirmed that he believed it was true.

US President Donald Trump shakes his hand with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the asphalt after they arrived in the joint base of Elmendorf-Richardson in Ancoridge, Alaska, August 15, 2025 (photo by Andrew Cabaler-AFP) Images) (Andrew Cabalera-Rinold/AFP via Getty Images)

Following Trump, also without taking questions. “We had productive meetings,” he said. “Big agreements. No transaction until there is a deal.” He promised to call NATO to “call Zelensky” and announced: “We really made great success today.” He reminded the audience of his “fantastic relationships with Putin” and believes that there is “a good chance to get to there”, even if “we’re not there yet”. Most importantly, Trump said, “We need to stop killing thousands every week.”

With all the positive tone, the substance was modest. Putin left Alaska, hanging the prospect of ceasefire – but with attached strings. From previous statements, we know that he wants the US to raise certain sanctions and threats to tariffs aimed at countries such as India that buy Russian energy. He intends to maintain control over the two eastern Ukrainian provinces confiscated in 2022. Trump probably did not recognize these points, but obviously they agreed to the next meeting “fast”.

Reality on the ground

While the flags were fluttering in an an an angridge, the war did not stop. Russian troops modestly pressed forward Good In the Donetsk region, the testing of the Ukrainian defense is that it looks like an attempt to improve its tactical position before any pause. Ukraine rushed to reinforce, stabilizing the line, but the fight remains intense.

The Russian distant bombing does not show signs of reduction. Only in July Moscow launched more than 70 Cruise missiles and thousands of Iranian, made for sham of drones for Ukrainian purposes. Ukraine replied with deep blows – Including the hit at the Russian refineries and the bombing of a freight ship, which transported details of drones in the Caspian Sea. None of the parties behave as if the end of the war is inevitable.

That is why any ceasefire discussion should be backed up by iron check: neutral observers on the ground, satellite observation, clearly reflected lines and automatic sanctions “Snap Back” for violations. Without this in Moscow, every incentive for exceeding diplomacy.

That specified the summit

If nothing else, Alaska revealed the lower lines.

Putin is talking about fixing territorial benefits and releasing economic pressure that destroys his military machine. Rejecting sanctions to countries that help him with the restriction of the skirt, he will lead to his income and signaling that the US economic war is subject to discussion.

For Trump, it is about testing whether Putin can be transferred to de -escalation without harming the US authority. With the participation of Zelenskyy, it supports the fate of Ukraine, which is decided in absenteeism, and confirms NATO’s support assures the allies.

For Ukraine it is a sword with a two -way end. The next meeting offers a diplomatic opening, but the obvious territorial demands of Putin remain political, legitimate and moral red line.

The consequences for key players

United States: Washington must resist the relief of trade sanctions for uncertain promises. The sanctions regime is one of the few leverage that, and any softening must be tied to the measuring, sustainable requirements, proven by independent intelligence, as well as neutral monitors.

Russia: Putin leaves Alaska with optics to be a willing negotiator – useful for his internal image – but no immediate relief of sanctions or Western recognition of his land. Expect that in the next two weeks it will study Western unity with limited escalation.

Ukraine: KYIV has a short window for strengthening and preparing the exact case for the next meeting: obvious safety guarantees, weapons delivery schedules and are not subject to sovereignty.

Europe: The union capitals can indicate a small victory: the US has not reduced the side deal. But they must be prepared to activate the performance and fill out any spaces when we decide to hesitate.

China: Beijing will study Alaska carefully. When the West flashes on sanctions, it can crack Chinese adventurism in the Pacific. The only western booth would send a return message.

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Way forward

If the United States wants these ceasefires echo anywhere, three steps are important:

1. Blocking Mechanisms forced FulfillmentCreate a monitoring frame that combines neutral observers, allied intelligence and technological supervision. Make the violations expensive and automatic to restrain the cheating.
2. Keep Ukraine in the center“No decision on Ukraine without Ukraine” should not be necessary. Zelensky needs a real voice and veto for any territorial terms.
3. Use sanctions as leverage rather than currencyAny relief should be gradually, conditionally and reversible. Sanctions should be a reward for sustainable implementation, not forward.

The Alaska summit was not a breakthrough, which he hoped, but it also did not fail. This gave both sides a more clear picture of the negotiating area and bought time for positioning. But the time contributes to the side that uses it best.

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For the United States, this means conducting a firm on sanctions, strengthening Ukraine’s defense and consideration of any ceasefire as a strict check process, not the conclusion of the war. For Ukraine, this means preparation for two divergent ways: significant diplomacy or a strengthened conflict. For Russia, this means deciding whether a permanent war is worth it if the West refuses to pay on the ground.

If Alaska was just a pause, the next meeting will decide whether it would be a bridge to peace – or a bridge anywhere.