Trump and Putin’s Alaska summit: A step toward peace or stalemate?

08/19/2025 / By Kevin Hughes

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a nearly three-hour meeting described as “constructive” and “productive,” but no ceasefire agreement was reached.
Both leaders praised the discussions but acknowledged unresolved issues. Putin reiterated the need to address the conflict’s root causes while expressing optimism about ending the war.
Trump stressed the importance of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s participation, planning to call him and NATO leaders. Zelensky agreed to meet Trump in Washington and endorsed a proposed trilateral U.S.-Russia-Ukraine summit.
European leaders demanded a full ceasefire before further talks, threatening expanded sanctions. Putin rejected preconditions, insisting on negotiations without concessions upfront.
Though no deal was finalized, the summit set the stage for future talks. Trump and Putin held a private follow-up discussion, signaling continued efforts toward a potential settlement.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin convened on Aug. 15 for talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The two leaders met at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.

The highly anticipated summit, which lasted nearly three hours, was described as “constructive” and “extremely productive” by both leaders. However, it failed to produce a concrete ceasefire agreement.

The negotiations, held in a “constructive atmosphere of mutual respect,” according to Putin, were the first high-level discussions between the two nations since the conflict began. Putin emphasized Moscow’s sincere interest in ending the hostilities, stating, “What is happening is a tragedy and a great pain for us.”

Trump echoed Putin’s sentiments, calling the meeting “highly productive” and highlighting the significant progress made. However, he acknowledged that “we’re not there yet” in terms of reaching a comprehensive peace deal. “There were many points we agreed on, but a couple of big ones we haven’t quite gotten there,” Trump admitted.

Putin reiterated Russia’s stance that addressing the “root causes” of the conflict is crucial for a long-term settlement. Despite this, Putin expressed optimism, stating, “I have every reason to believe that by continuing on this path, we can end the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible.” (Related: Putin is ready to negotiate a CEASEFIRE with Trump.)

Trump’s diplomatic efforts and Zelensky’s role

Trump emphasized the importance of involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the next steps. “It really depends on President Zelensky to finish it,” Trump said, indicating that he would call Zelensky and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) leaders to discuss the summit’s outcomes. Trump also revealed plans for a potential trilateral summit involving the U.S., Russia and Ukraine.

Following the summit, Zelensky announced on X that he would meet Trump in Washington on Monday, Aug. 18. “I am ready to do everything possible to secure peace,” Zelensky wrote, endorsing Trump’s proposal for a trilateral summit. According to Axios, Trump informed Zelensky and NATO leaders that Putin favors a comprehensive peace deal over a temporary ceasefire.

European leaders have expressed concerns over the lack of a ceasefire agreement. They have backed Ukraine’s demand for a “full and unconditional ceasefire” before any talks, threatening expanded sanctions if Moscow refuses. Putin, however, dismissed these ultimatums, insisting that negotiations proceed without preconditions.

Despite the absence of a ceasefire deal, the summit has set the stage for further diplomatic efforts. Trump’s private, “very candid” discussion with Putin after the press conference suggests a commitment to pursuing a settlement. As Trump noted, “There’s no deal until there’s a deal,” but the summit has laid the groundwork for potential future negotiations.

Follow Trump.news for more news about President Trump’s efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

Watch the video below about Trump and Putin holding a meeting, which pushed through on Aug. 15.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.