Delhi, August 16, 2025 (Agency): The much-anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin took place on August 15 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska but concluded without any tangible results. The talks were primarily aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
The nearly three-hour discussion yielded neither a ceasefire nor a signed peace agreement. In a joint press conference following the meeting, both leaders claimed “constructive progress” but provided no clear plan or details.
Background and Significance
This was Trump’s first major international diplomatic initiative in his second term. During his election campaign, he had claimed he could end the war “in 24 hours.” The choice of Alaska as the meeting venue was symbolic, as it is the closest geographical point between the US and Russia. Putin’s visit to US soil was seen as a significant diplomatic achievement, especially since the International Criminal Court (ICC) has accused him of war crimes.
Key Points and Outcomes
Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours |
Main Issue | Ending the Russia-Ukraine war |
Outcome | No ceasefire or deal, only claims of “progress” |
Next Steps | Trump to hold talks with Zelenskyy; possible next meeting in Moscow |
Other Discussions | US-Russia cooperation, energy, and trade |
Putin praised Trump, stating that the war would not have started if Trump had been president earlier. Trump, meanwhile, claimed “significant progress” but did not elaborate on any specific agreements. Putin proposed holding the next meeting in Moscow, to which Trump responded that he would “consider it.”
International Reactions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the meeting as a “dead solution,” stating that no deal would be valid without Kyiv’s involvement. The European Union and NATO expressed concerns that the talks could strengthen Russia’s position. Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton remarked that “Putin emerged as the winner,” while Trump appeared weaker.
Analysis
Experts believe the meeting was a major diplomatic victory for Putin. Direct talks with the US president bolstered his global standing. On the other hand, the lack of concrete outcomes could raise questions about Trump’s credibility. A proposal for a territorial swap was reportedly discussed but was promptly rejected by Ukraine.
Overall, the meeting signals Trump’s return to global diplomacy, but a long road lies ahead to resolve the Ukraine conflict. The world’s attention is now focused on a potential trilateral meeting involving Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy
