Anchorage, Alaska (August, 2025) – U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded their high-profile summit in Alaska on Friday without a ceasefire agreement, though both leaders spoke of progress toward peace. The outcome has set the stage for renewed diplomacy, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announcing he will meet Trump in Washington on Monday.

“No deal until there’s a deal” – Trump’s New Line

After nearly three hours of closed-door talks at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Trump conceded there was no breakthrough. “No deal until there’s a deal,” he said. While stressing that an immediate ceasefire was not reached, Trump insisted that “great progress” had been made. He also revealed a significant policy shift: “A ceasefire can break down. What we want is lasting peace, not just a pause. That means a peace deal, not a ceasefire.”

Putin: “We Reached an Understanding”

President Putin echoed cautious optimism, declaring: “We reached an understanding. This is not yet an agreement, but it is a step forward. I believe today we have opened the door to peace.” He refrained from concrete commitments but left open the possibility of further negotiations, particularly on territorial control, sanctions, and security guarantees.

Zelensky to Washington After “Substantive Conversation”

In a swift move following the Alaska talks, President Zelenskyy confirmed he will travel to Washington on Monday. He described having had a “long and substantive conversation” with Trump after the summit and pledged to continue pressing for a peace deal that secures Ukraine’s sovereignty and European aspirations. Zelenskyy has also echoed the European Council’s call for robust security guarantees for Ukraine.

Europe: Russia “Cannot Have a Veto” on Ukraine

European leaders responded with a firm message. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Trump’s engagement but warned that Moscow “cannot have a veto” over Ukraine’s path to EU or NATO membership. Brussels officials stressed that any eventual deal must include clear protections for Kyiv and reinforce the country’s right to determine its future.

Global Reactions: Symbolism vs. Substance

While European capitals cautiously praised the dialogue, analysts across Washington and Brussels argued the summit handed Putin global legitimacy without extracting concessions. By standing beside the U.S. president as an equal, critics say, Putin scored a symbolic victory even as the war rages on.

At a Glance

• Outcome: No ceasefire, but both sides claim “progress.”
• Trump: “No deal until there’s a deal… We want lasting peace, not just a pause.”
• Putin: “We reached an understanding… We opened the door to peace.”
• Zelenskyy: Meeting Trump in Washington on Monday after “substantive” talks.
• Europe: Russia cannot dictate Ukraine’s EU or NATO path; strong guarantees needed.

The Alaska summit ended without a breakthrough but reset the diplomatic stage. With Trump shifting from a ceasefire strategy to a broader peace deal and Zelenskyy heading to Washington, the coming week may prove decisive in shaping the next chapter of the war in Ukraine.