“Russia Is a Very Big Power, and They’re Not”: Trump Comments on Ukraine After Putin Talks
A highly anticipated summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded in Alaska on Friday, August 15, without agreement on halting the conflict in Ukraine, although both leaders described the talks as constructive, Reuters reports.
No Ceasefire but «Progress» Claimed
Following nearly three hours of discussions, the two presidents appeared before the media, stating that progress had been made but declining to provide specifics.
Trump told reporters, «We’ve made some headway,» adding, «There’s no deal until there’s a deal.» Neither leader took questions.
The absence of a ceasefire announcement represented a setback for Trump, who had set the goal of ending the deadliest conflict in Europe since the Second World War. Nonetheless, the meeting itself was seen as a diplomatic gain for Putin, who has been largely isolated from Western leaders since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Putin: Dialogue Was Overdue
In his remarks at the joint press conference, Putin described the talks as «constructive and respectful» and thanked Trump for choosing Alaska as the venue. He noted that, despite being separated by oceans, Russia and the United States remained «close neighbours.»
Putin said it had been more than four years since the last US–Russia summit and that bilateral relations had «fallen to their lowest point since the Cold War.» He argued it was «inevitable to move from confrontation to dialogue,» stressing that the personal meeting was long overdue and backed by careful preparation.
Ukraine Central to Talks
Turning to the war in Ukraine, Putin said he saw «a genuine desire» from the US administration and Trump personally to understand the conflict and to explore solutions. He described the situation in Ukraine as a «tragedy and a heavy pain» for Russia, given historical ties between the two peoples, and reiterated Moscow’s view that addressing the «fundamental causes» of the crisis was essential for any sustainable peace.
«We remain convinced that all legitimate concerns of Russia must be taken into account, and a fair balance in European and global security restored,» Putin said.
He added that he hoped the understanding reached in Anchorage would help pave the way towards peace.
Referring to Trump’s claim that the war would not have happened had he been president earlier, Putin remarked:
«I think that would indeed have been the case. Our contact has been very good, businesslike and trusting. Moving in this direction, I believe we can — and the sooner the better — reach the end of the conflict in Ukraine.»
Tariff Threats Delayed and Possible Future Meeting
In an interview with Fox News afterwards, Trump said he would postpone imposing tariffs on China for its purchases of Russian oil, citing progress with Putin. He confirmed, however, that new tariffs on Indian imports remained in place. Trump also suggested arrangements were under way for a meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, though details were not disclosed.
Putin, speaking separately, did not mention such a meeting. He said European partners should accept the outcomes of US–Russia dialogue constructively and reiterated Moscow’s long-held position that «root causes» of the conflict must be addressed for any lasting peace, indicating reluctance to consider a ceasefire.
Kyiv Awaits Clarification
There was no immediate response from Kyiv to the summit. Ahead of the talks, Zelenskiy stressed that peace must be just and that Russia must take steps to end hostilities.
«We are counting on America,» he wrote on Telegram.
Asked what he would advise the Ukrainian leader, Trump told Fox News, «Gotta make a deal,» while remarking, «Russia is a very big power, and they’re not.»
Diplomatic Formalities and Ongoing Conflict
The summit began with formal pageantry at a US Air Force base in Alaska, where Trump greeted Putin on a red carpet. As talks proceeded, air raid alerts sounded across eastern Ukraine and Russian regions near the border reported Ukrainian drone attacks. Ukrainian opposition politician Oleksiy Honcharenko said the outcome suggested Putin had simply gained more time.
Putin remains wanted by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes relating to the deportation of Ukrainian children, charges Moscow rejects. Neither Russia nor the United States recognise ICC jurisdiction.
Arms Control and Next Steps
Putin had raised the possibility of negotiating a new nuclear arms control framework, though it was unclear whether the subject was discussed in Alaska. Trump ended the meeting by thanking Putin and suggesting another encounter could follow soon. Putin responded, «Next time in Moscow,» to which Trump replied he «might get a little heat on that one» but did not rule it out.
The US president, who campaigned on ending the Ukraine war within 24 hours, acknowledged the challenge had been greater than anticipated. He indicated that if talks with Putin progressed, convening a three-way summit with Zelenskiy could become his next priority.
