Trump Pressures Putin for Ukraine Ceasefire at Alaska Summit
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin met in Alaska on Friday, with Trump's primary focus being pushing for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Moscow has signaled a face-saving offer, a possible nuclear arms control deal, as part of the talks.
The first face-to-face meeting since Trump returned to the White House was held at a Cold War-era air base. However, Zelenskiy was not invited, raising concerns among Kyiv and European allies that Ukraine could be pressured into making territorial concessions. Trump said a ceasefire would bolster his image as a peacemaker.
Trump acknowledged that the largest ground war in Europe since World War II is more difficult to end than expected. He left open the possibility of a second summit involving Zelenskiy—and possibly European leaders—which he believes would be more productive if the initial talks with Putin go well.
From Moscow's side, there were signs of compromise: sources close to the Kremlin suggested some conditions might be agreed upon due to sanctions pressure. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia never fully disclosed its plans, while analysts believe the Kremlin could deliver the "results" Trump sought without losing control of the escalation on the ground.
Strategically, Putin needs sanctions relief or at least a pause on new ones. The day before the summit, he floated the prospect of a new nuclear arms control pact to replace the current one, which expires early next year—an issue Trump is believed to be interested in.
The most sensitive issue remains territory. Trump has suggested land transfers could be a solution, but Zelenskiy has rejected the option of ceding territory. Russia's war aims include complete control of the Donbas (Donetsk-Luhansk), as well as Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, as well as preventing Ukraine from joining NATO. Whether Putin is willing to compromise in this area remains open.
Key Points:
- Trump pushes for a ceasefire; Putin floats the nuclear arms control option.
- Zelenskiy was not invited; Europe is concerned about territorial concessions.
- Trump opened the door to a second summit involving Ukraine.
- Signs of Russian compromise emerged, but the focus was on maintaining escalation control.
- Putin needs sanctions relief; the nuclear issue is the sweetener.
- The status of the regions (Donbas, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia) remains a major stumbling block. (ayu)
Source: Newsmaker.id
