Anchorage, Alaska — A high-stakes closed-door meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin stretched over three hours on Friday, ending with carefully measured public remarks that blended optimism with caution. The joint press conference, lasting only a few minutes, produced no formal agreements but hinted at a renewed willingness to engage on thorny issues, particularly the war in Ukraine.
Putin: “A Long-Overdue Dialogue”
Breaking protocol by speaking first, President Putin lamented the collapse in U.S.-Russia ties, describing relations as “at their lowest point since the Cold War.” He called the meeting “long overdue” and urged a shift from confrontation to dialogue.
Putin underscored Ukraine as a centerpiece of their talks, expressing hope that “the Ukrainians and Europeans choose not to throw a wrench in” the peace process. He thanked Trump for his “well-wishing tone,” adding that while both sides defend national interests, dialogue rooted in “mutual respect and realism” was essential.
Trump: “No Deal Until There’s a Deal”
President Trump, striking an upbeat but guarded note, described the summit as “very productive” with “a number of agreements reached.” Yet he acknowledged that “a couple big ones” remained unresolved.
Reiterating his trademark negotiating mantra, Trump said: “There’s no deal until there’s a deal.” He pledged to brief NATO leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the outcomes, signaling that any path forward would require broader international coordination.
The Road Ahead
While Anchorage yielded no breakthroughs, both leaders framed the dialogue as progress in itself. Trump’s emphasis on consulting allies highlighted that any durable solution on Ukraine will hinge on multilateral cooperation, not just U.S.-Russia diplomacy.
“Next Time in Moscow”
As the summit concluded, Putin offered a pointed closing remark in English: “Next time in Moscow.” The invitation underscored Russia’s eagerness to keep talks alive, potentially shifting the next round of diplomacy onto Russian soil.
For Putin, the meeting was a chance to project resilience amid Western isolation. For Trump, it was an opportunity to lay groundwork for eventual negotiations involving Kyiv.
As the two leaders departed Alaska, the message was clear: the door to peace remains open, but progress will demand persistence, patience, and consensus.
