In what was described as a historic presidential summit, a hastily arranged meeting took place in Alaska on Friday afternoon. The backdrop was as stunning as the discussions were complex, with the majestic Chugach mountains shining under the summer sun in Anchorage. During this gathering, US President Donald Trump literally applauded Russian President Vladimir Putin as he walked along a red carpet laid out in his honor by US troops.
The meeting comes at a time when Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has had devastating consequences, resulting in over a million casualties. As Trump warmly greeted Putin, a dramatic display unfolded overhead, with a US B-2 stealth bomber accompanied by fighter jets flying past. However, Putin appeared unfazed by the military spectacle. This summit marked a significant moment for the Russian leader, who has been largely isolated on the international stage, and it was an apparent political gift from Trump, who referred to him as his friend, “Vladimir.”
Later, in a windowless press room at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage, the press pools from the White House and Kremlin gathered, mistakenly anticipating a joint news conference. Among them was an energetic, sharply dressed reporter from a conservative news outlet eager to gain Trump’s favor. “Trump is determined to exit Biden’s war,” the reporter shared, referencing the ongoing conflict initiated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 during President Joe Biden's administration. He added that the Ukrainians and Europeans were obstacles to achieving a quick peace deal.
This observation indicates a more profound, albeit less apparent, victory for Putin than merely returning to the international diplomatic arena. In seeking a swift resolution to the conflict, Trump appears to have aligned himself with Russia on critical issues, including calls for a ceasefire. Ukraine and its European allies have consistently maintained that halting the violence is essential for peace talks. However, Trump’s recent shift, as indicated by his posts on the Truth Social platform, favors a comprehensive peace deal, which aligns with Kremlin interests, especially as they believe they currently have the upper hand in the conflict.
As President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine heads to Washington, supported by European leaders for urgent discussions with Trump, the White House’s new stance will be a focal point of negotiation. Concerns mount regarding potential territorial concessions in the Donbas region, which Russia has annexed but not fully conquered. This proposition might cross a red line for Ukraine and its European allies, who are likely to resist such demands strongly in Washington.
Rejecting a quick deal favored by Trump, especially as he may be considering the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize, could position Ukraine and Europe as the real impediments to peace in the eyes of the American administration. The mere fact that significant territorial concessions are up for discussion represents another win for the Kremlin, highlighting how the narrative has shifted. While negotiations continue, the territories Russia has already seized are seldom acknowledged in the broader dialogue.
As the world watches for the outcomes of peace talks, it’s essential to consider not just what Putin hopes to gain but also what Trump desires from this complex situation. The anticlimactic nature of the Alaskan summit may offer clues into this dynamic. Observers noted Trump’s unexpectedly deferential demeanor during the proceedings, even allowing Putin, a foreign dignitary on American soil, to speak first during their statements to the press.
Trump stood silently at his podium as Putin elaborated on Alaska’s historical ties to Russia and America, before sharing his impressions of their meetings. This interaction suggested a shift in dynamics, with Putin appearing to welcome Trump back into the fold rather than the other way around. The Russian leader’s invitation for Trump to visit Moscow, articulated in a rare English-language remark, reinforced this notion, presenting Trump as a powerful ally on the global stage, far removed from the immediate concerns of Ukraine and Europe.
