Giant summit in Alaska: What happened at the historic Trump-Putin meeting?

US President Donald Trump made statements following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Stating that the meeting was generally productive but that no definitive agreement to ensure a ceasefire in Ukraine had emerged, Trump said, "We didn't get exactly where we wanted on a few big issues, but we made progress. So, there is no deal until a deal is made."

The two leaders held a joint press conference after the meeting, which lasted approximately three hours at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in the US state of Alaska. Thanking Trump for inviting him to Alaska, Putin said, "Our meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere based on mutual respect, and it was quite comprehensive and useful."

Pointing to the symbolic importance of holding the meeting in Alaska, Putin stated, "It is quite logical to meet here, because although our countries are separated by oceans, they are actually close neighbors." Noting that Alaska holds a shared historical and cultural heritage for both countries, Putin said, "I am sure that this heritage will help rebuild relations based on mutual benefit and equality, even in the most difficult conditions."

Recalling that no summit had taken place between the US and Russia for the last four years, Putin pointed out that this period was quite long and said, "This is not in the interest of our countries or the world." Emphasizing the need to establish a healthy dialogue, Putin said that this was why the meeting between the leaders was important.

"THE ROOT CAUSES OF THE CONFLICT MUST BE ELIMINATED FOR A PERMANENT SOLUTION"

Putin noted that one of the prominent topics in the discussions was the Ukraine issue. Stating that he found the efforts Trump has shown regarding this problem "valuable," the Russian leader assessed, "The situation in Ukraine is related to fundamental threats to our security." Emphasizing that they want the war to end, Putin said, "To make the solution permanent and long-term, we need to eliminate all the essential roots and fundamental causes of the conflict... And as President Trump said today, we naturally agree that Ukraine's security must also be ensured. Naturally, we are ready to work on this."

PUTIN'S MESSAGE TO THE UKRAINIAN LEADERSHIP AND EUROPE

Putin stated that he and Trump had agreed on some steps toward ending the war in Ukraine, but did not share details. He said, "I believe that the agreement we reached together will bring us closer to this goal and pave the way for peace in Ukraine." Calling on the Kyiv administration and European countries, Putin said, "We expect this situation to be met constructively by Kyiv and European capitals, and that they will not create any obstacles, and will not try to sabotage the progress made with provocations and behind-the-scenes intrigues."

Putin stated that the agreements reached would contribute not only to Ukraine but also to the reconstruction of pragmatic relations between Russia and the US. He also announced that he agreed with Trump's remark that "if he had been president in 2022, the war in Ukraine would never have happened."

TRUMP: "WE AGREED ON MOST ISSUES"

Trump reiterated that the meetings were generally positive but that no definitive ceasefire agreement had emerged. He used the words, "There were many, many issues we agreed on; I can say we agreed on most issues. We didn't get exactly where we wanted on a few big issues, but we made progress. So, there is no deal until a deal is made."

Stating that he would inform other stakeholders, including Ukraine, about the developments, Trump said, "I will call NATO later... And of course, I will call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and tell him about today's meeting. Ultimately, the decision is theirs."

PUTIN'S INVITATION TO MOSCOW

At the joint press conference, Trump stated that they have always had good relations with Putin. Emphasizing that Putin also wants to end the war, Trump thanked the Russian leader and said, "see you again soon." Putin replied to Trump, "Next time in Moscow." Trump said he found the invitation "interesting" and that there was a possibility of it happening. It was noted that no questions were taken from journalists at the end of the joint press conference.

News Source: İHA