Putin Returns to Global Stage at Trump Summit/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ At a high-profile summit in Alaska, Vladimir Putin received a red-carpet welcome from Donald Trump, signaling Russia’s return to the global stage. Trump shifted from calling for a ceasefire to backing a Kremlin-style “peace agreement,” raising concerns about Ukraine’s position. Meanwhile, Russia continues its military advance in eastern Ukraine.
Putin-Trump Summit Fallout: Quick Looks
- Putin welcomed warmly by Trump in Alaska, breaking years of isolation.
- Trump calls Russia “a big power,” avoids pressing for a ceasefire.
- Summit ends without a Ukraine peace deal; Kremlin hails diplomatic win.
- Trump now favors a full peace agreement, aligning with Kremlin view.
- ICC arrest warrant against Putin ignored; optics boost Russia’s image.
- Trump delays promised sanctions and “severe consequences” for continued aggression.
- European leaders and Zelenskyy left in strategic uncertainty post-summit.
- Russia intensifies military operations in Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
- Experts say Trump shifting pressure away from Moscow, toward Ukraine.
- Kremlin calls it an “understanding,” but peace still far from reality.
Deep Look: Putin Reclaims Global Clout as Trump Alters U.S. Stance on Ukraine
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — In a summit rich with symbolism but sparse on substance, Vladimir Putin returned to the global spotlight this week, welcomed by Donald Trump on a red carpet in Alaska as the two leaders discussed the war in Ukraine.
For Putin, it was a long-sought moment: a Western appearance for the first time since his 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and a diplomatic breakthrough despite an active International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes. For Trump, it was an opportunity to reset relations—one that drew both praise and alarm.
“Russia is a big power… No. 2 in the world,” Trump said post-summit, emphasizing respect for Moscow even as the two leaders failed to strike a deal on ending the war.
However, Trump’s shift in tone—from months of backing a ceasefire to suddenly advocating a full “Peace Agreement”—mirrored a Kremlin position long resisted by Kyiv and its allies. The abrupt change raised fears that U.S. pressure may soon fall more heavily on Ukraine than Russia.
A Victory for Putin, Optically and Tactically
Analysts say Putin got what he came for. Images of a red carpet reception, smiles, and even applause from the U.S. president played across Russian state media as proof that Putin had “broken free” from the diplomatic cold shoulder imposed since 2022.
“He wasn’t challenged. He was celebrated,” said Laurie Bristow, a former British ambassador to Russia. “This gave Putin everything he needed.”
“For Putin, this was mission accomplished,” added Neil Melvin, a security director at the Royal United Services Institute in London.
Russia’s goals in Anchorage, according to experts, were not tied to immediate agreements but rather to legitimacy, narrative control, and time—time to continue grinding forward in Ukraine’s east.
Ceasefire Abandoned, Kremlin View Embraced
For months, Trump had pushed for a ceasefire as a prerequisite to peace. But after the summit, his rhetoric changed. On social media, Trump said he’d consulted with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, and concluded that a “Peace Agreement”—not a ceasefire—was the only path forward.
“Ceasefires don’t last,” Trump wrote. “A peace agreement ends the war.”
This echoed the Kremlin’s position, which has rejected temporary truces and demanded permanent Ukrainian concessions: surrender of the four partially occupied eastern regions, recognition of Crimea as Russian, renunciation of NATO ambitions, and a reduced Ukrainian military.
Threats Without Action
Prior to the summit, Trump had warned of “severe consequences” if Russia didn’t stop its invasion—possibly including expanded oil sanctions targeting nations that continue buying from Moscow. He had already imposed such tariffs on India and hinted others would follow.
But after the summit? No new measures. Asked by Fox News if he’d still act, Trump replied, “I don’t need to think about that right now,” suggesting he might revisit it “in two or three weeks.”
“An important tactical victory for Putin,” wrote Alexandra Prokopenko of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, noting that the Kremlin now has more breathing room to adapt and maneuver.
Ukraine Left in Limbo
Putin, in his own post-summit statement, claimed there was now an “understanding” with Trump and warned European leaders not to “torpedo the nascent progress.” Trump, however, was less definitive: “There’s no deal until there’s a deal.”
In a Fox interview, Trump implied Zelenskyy would need to compromise, saying, “It’s up to him to get it done,” though he noted European partners would also play a role.
A Zelenskyy-Trump meeting is scheduled for Monday at the White House. While both hinted at the possibility of a trilateral summit with Putin, the Kremlin later denied it was discussed in Alaska.
Analysts say Trump is shifting responsibility onto Ukraine and Europe, while reserving a role for himself as a “deal-maker.”
“Trump wants this conflict off his plate,” said Fiona Hill, a Russia adviser during his first term. “He sees it like a real estate deal and believes he can pressure Kyiv—not Moscow—into accepting terms.”
“Putin is the bigger bully here, and Trump has met his match,” she added.
Russia Escalates on the Ground
While summit statements dominated headlines, the reality on Ukraine’s frontlines tells another story.
Russian forces continued their incremental advance along the 600-mile frontline. Moscow claimed new gains in Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk, saying it had captured the villages of Kolodyazi and Vorone, although Ukraine did not confirm.
Overnight, Russia launched a ballistic missile and 85 drones at Ukrainian territory. Ukraine’s air force intercepted 61 of them, but attacks still hit the Sumy, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Chernihiv regions.
“Unless Putin is absolutely convinced he cannot win militarily, the fighting won’t stop,” said Bristow. “That’s the big takeaway from the Anchorage summit.”
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