Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin engaged in a three-hour meeting in Alaska, but the talks did not yield an agreement on a ceasefire for Ukraine. Five major factors can explain this lack of consensus.
Putin’s rigid approach to Ukraine played a central role. In early 2022, Putin authorized the deployment of a large military force into Ukraine, with the aim of quickly removing the existing government. His underlying goal was to integrate Ukraine back into Russia’s sphere of influence. Despite Russia’s territorial gains, which include control of 22% of Ukraine, his original plan was not fully realized. Putin has repeatedly questioned Ukraine’s legitimacy as an independent nation, asserting that the modern Ukrainian state was essentially created by Russia following the 1917 communist revolution.
Putin’s position also reflected his complex view of Ukraine’s people. In the past, he has described Russians and Ukrainians as one people, viewing Ukraine itself as an artificial construct. He recognized the independence of rebel-held regions. At the outset of the conflict, Putin framed it as a need to protect Ukrainians from the ruling government, calling on the Ukrainian military to overthrow it. This demonstrates his desire to remove the current Ukrainian leadership.
Putin insisted on a ceasefire that favored Russia. He wants to control Ukraine’s foreign and defense policies to mitigate perceived future risks. He refuses to cede any land. Putin’s terms for a ceasefire involve Ukraine staying out of NATO, the removal of all Western sanctions against Russia, and the return of all seized Russian assets.
The meeting’s focus extended beyond the Ukraine conflict, with significant attention given to the US-Russia relationship. Putin noted the decline in relations between the two countries. Both he and Trump expressed interest in normalizing relations and signaled their intent to hold further meetings. Putin suggested Moscow as the venue for their next meeting. High-ranking Russian economic officials have stated a commitment to strengthening U.S.-Russia relations, even amid opposing viewpoints.
Fox News suggested that the meeting took place in a tense atmosphere. Putin characterized the discussion as constructive and respectful, noting the establishment of positive contact. The Ukraine conflict was a primary topic, with Putin emphasizing Russia’s view of Ukrainians as brothers and the need to end the war. He added that Russia was prepared to work towards ensuring Ukraine’s security. However, the report from Fox News presented a different picture, suggesting a strained atmosphere during the talks.