Russia and US Move Closer to Ending War in Ukraine, But Concrete Progress Remains Elusive
Following a meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed optimism that the two nations are moving closer to ending the war in Ukraine. In televised remarks on Saturday, Putin briefed top Russian officials at the Kremlin, stating that the talks with Trump had been “frank and informative” and that both leaders shared a desire to bring an end to the conflict.
According to Putin, the discussions brought Russia and the US “closer to the necessary decisions” to resolve the war on a fair basis. He emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of the crisis, saying, “We had the opportunity to talk about the genesis, the causes of this crisis. It is precisely the elimination of these root causes that should be the basis for the settlement.”
Putin also expressed respect for the US administration’s desire to bring a swift end to military actions in Ukraine, stating that Russia is committed to resolving the issue through peaceful means. Despite the positive tone, however, Trump’s efforts to secure a concrete agreement from Putin to end Russia’s war in Ukraine ultimately fell short.
The meeting marked Trump’s most significant attempt to date to halt the bloodshed in Ukraine, which has now entered its fourth year. The US president had previously pledged to bring an end to the war on his first day back in the White House, but seven months on, he has yet to deliver on this promise. In fact, Trump’s actions have been criticized for undermining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, including berating him in the Oval Office and restricting US military assistance to Kyiv.
In an attempt to persuade Putin to end Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, Trump employed a carrot-and-stick approach, threatening economic sanctions while also offering a warm welcome at a US military base in Anchorage. However, Putin appeared to emerge from the meeting with a significant victory, securing long-sought recognition on the international stage despite Western efforts to isolate him over the war and his crackdown on dissent.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to simmer, Trump is set to meet with Zelenskyy in Washington on Monday. The meeting is likely to be closely watched, with many observers hoping for a breakthrough in the stalled peace process. While Putin’s comments suggest a glimmer of hope for a resolution, it remains to be seen whether the two leaders can translate their words into meaningful action.
