Former President Donald Trump with Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Whatever their hopes, they intended on addressing the rising conflict in Ukraine. The meeting comes at a time of increasing concern about security guarantees to Ukraine. Both presidents continue speaking frequently and publicly about the need to establish a durable ceasefire in the long term.
Throughout the complex talks, Trump pushed hard for a stopfire in the still-ongoing hostilities. This historic, nationwide crisis has led to an unprecedented level of unrest across the entire region. If we are to believe Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Putin is receptive to the idea of the United States and European countries offering Ukraine Article-5 equivalent protection. This is an extraordinary breakthrough in great power international relations. This will help flesh out the key security assurance Ukraine will require. It will operate as though the clause for collective defense in Article 5 of NATO operates.
Witkoff remarked on the significance of Putin’s concession, stating, “This is the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that.” He continued, “There does appear to be an increase in pressure from the Russian side to come to a peace agreement.” “We began to see some moderation in the way they’re thinking about getting to a final peace deal,” he noted.
Though discussions were “productive,” as Trump tweeted, they did not lead to a formal commitment from the U.S. to support Ukraine with security guarantees. The former president emphasized that “the best way” to end the war is “to go directly to a Peace Agreement.” The White House definitely did its part in lowering expectations ahead of the summit. They acknowledged that major breakthroughs are not coming in the immediate term.
As part of his diplomatic efforts, Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in the coming days. Ukrainian and European officials are growing concerned about Trump’s dedication. They wonder, for instance, if he will provide Ukraine with robust security assurances. The mood in Kyiv is far from optimistic as skepticism grows over the results of the Trump-Putin talks.
EU foreign policy chief Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged the bloc’s readiness to contribute to Ukraine’s security needs, stating, “The European Union … is ready to do its share.” She noted, for instance, that what Putin really wants is a photo op with Trump. He profoundly wants to cut deals on sanctions-lifting procrastination.
Ukrainian officials are concerned about what it all means. Insider reporting indicates that Trump’s first move might be to retreat from guaranteeing Ukraine’s strong protections, increasing friction between allies.
In addition to his diplomatic engagements, Trump faces legal challenges back home, with a hearing set for Friday regarding a lawsuit contesting his control over the DC police force. It is unclear at all whether this matter overlaps with his separatist chat with Mr. Putin.