It was a made-for-TV moment: the two leaders met on the asphalt on a joint base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, Air Force One and Two F-35 hunters in the background. While they walked together, the roar of those F-35s came above you, followed by the low, almost spooky sweep of a B-2 Stealth Bomber-a representation of US Airpower just as good as a nod to the history of the Cold War between the Nations.
Hours later President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared again after their closed doors discussions on a raised stage, each behind a stage, the US and Russian flags that flank both sides, with a blue background behind those who read “chasing peace.” It was the first in the US hosted top between American and Russian presidents on American military soil.
Trump, Putin Wrap ‘Extremely productive’ top but ‘not there’ at the end of the war
Trump had spent days with rehearsing through secure calls with European leaders and Ukrainian President VolodyYyr Zelenskyy, coordination of “red lines” to take the meeting: no territorial concessions to Russia, Ukraine in the Chamber for all sanctions for all sanctions. But despite the military splendor and the careful internship, something from Alaska did not come from Alaska, but a diplomatic break – warm words, thin details and the hard work are still ahead.
A cautious press conference
Putin first spoke and described the conversations as ‘constructive and mutual respect’. He remembered moments in history when the US and Russia “worked together” and said he was looking for a “long -term arrangement”. He acknowledged the “legitimate worries” of Russia and said it was “very important for our countries to turn the page.” He described a “reliable tone” in the conversation and praised Trump because he “had a good idea of what he wants”. In a row that was clearly focused on the cameras at home, Putin claimed that Trump told him that if he was previously president, “there would have been 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 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, Alaska on 15 August 2025. (Photo by Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP) (Photo by Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images) (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty images)
Trump followed and did not take any questions either. “We had productive meetings,” he said. “Big similarities. No deal until there is a deal.” He promised to call “NATO” to “call” Zenskyyy “and stated:” We made really great progress today. “He reminded the audience of his” fantastic relationship with Putin “and ruled that there was” a good chance to get there “, even if” we are not there yet “. The most important thing is that Trump said:” We have to prevent thousands of people from being killed every week. “
The material was modest for all the positive tone. Putin left Alaska the prospect of a ceasefire dangling -but with closed strings. We know from earlier statements that he wants the US to cancel certain sanctions and drop tariff threats aimed at countries such as India that buy Russian energy. He plans to keep control over two Eastern Ukrainian provinces seized in 2022. Trump probably did not admit those points, but apparently they agreed with a follow -up meeting ‘soon’.
The reality on the ground
While the flags fluttered in Anchorage, the war did not stop. Russian troops went in the neighborhood Dobropillia In the Donetsk region, the testing of Ukrainian defenses in what looks like an attempt to improve their tactical position before a break. Ukraine hurried reinforcements, stabilized the line for now, but fighting remains intense.
The long -term bombing of Russia shows no signs of decrease. In July alone, Moscow launched more than 70 Cruise missiles and thousands of Shahed drones made by Iran in Ukrainian goals. Ukraine has answered with Deep strikes – Including a hit on a Russian oil refinery and bombing a cargo ship with drone parts in the Caspian Sea. Neither parties behave as if the end of the war is on the hands.
That is why a cease-fire interview should be supported by IronClad-Verification: neutral observers on the ground, satellite monitoring, clearly charted lines and automatic “Snap-Back” sanctions for violations. Without that, Moscow will have all the stimulus to re -offend under the coverage of diplomacy.
What the top has clarified
If nothing else, Alaska revealed the Bottom Line.
For Putin it is about locking territorial profit and the relief of the economic pressure that his war machine has. Turning back sanctions against countries that help him to circumvent limitations would increase his income and give others a signal that US economic warfare is negotiable.
For Trump it is about testing or Putin can be moved to de-escalation without sacrificing our credibility. Involving Zenskyy ensures that the fate of Ukraine is decided in absentia and confirms NATO’s support to be confirmed.
For Ukraine it is a double -edged sword. A follow -up meeting offers a diplomatic opening, but the explicit territorial requirements of Putin remain a political, legal and moral red line.
Implications for important players
United States: Washington must oppose trading sanctions lighting for vague promises. The sanction regime is one of the few levers that works, and every relaxation must be linked to measurable, sustainable compliance verified by independent information and neutral monitors.
Russia: Putin leaves Alaska with the optics to be a willing negotiator – useful for his domestic image – but no immediate lighting of sanctions or Western recognition of his land gritters. Expect the Western unit to investigate with limited escalations in the next two weeks.
Ukraine: KYIV has a short window to strengthen its defenses and to prepare a clear case for the next meeting: explicit security guarantees, timetables for arms deliveries and a non-negotiable attitude towards sovereignty.
Europe: Allied capitals can indicate a small victory: the US did not cut a silk. But they must be ready to introduce enforcement and fill in any openings if US Rolve is Wachers.
China: Beijing will study Alaska closely. If the West flashes on maintaining sanctions, it can encourage Chinese adventurism in the Pacific. A united Western stand would send the opposite message.
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The way forward
If the US wants it to stop -the -fires are going everywhere, three steps are essential:
- Lock enforcement mechanismsBuild a monitoring framework that combines neutral observers, allied intelligence and technological supervision. Make violations expensive and automatic to scare cheating.
- Keep Ukraine in the center“No decision about Ukraine without Ukraine” should not remain negotiable. Zensky needs a real voice and veto about any territorial conditions.
- Use sanctions such as lever, not for currencyEvery relief must be phased, conditional and reversible. Sanctions must be the reward for long -term compliance, not a prior concession.
The top of Alaska was not the breakthrough that some hoped for, but it was also not a failure. It gave both parties a clearer picture of the negotiating site and bought time for positioning. But time is preferable to the side that it uses best.
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For the United States, this means sticking to sanctions, strengthening the defenses of Ukraine and the treatment of ceasefires -the start of a rigorous verification process, not the conclusion of the war. For Ukraine, this means preparing for two different paths: meaningful diplomacy or intensified conflict. For Russia, this means deciding whether continuous war is worth the increasing costs when the West refuses to pay in country.
If Alaska was just a break, the next meeting will decide whether it will be a bridge to Vrede – or a bridge to nowhere.
