Washington, Aug 19: The Anchorage Summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin marked their first meeting in Trump’s second term, reinforcing bilateral ties while keeping hopes alive for an eventual peace deal in Ukraine. Though no agreement was finalized, both leaders signaled constructive dialogue and commitment to further negotiations.
Trump noted that the warring sides were “pretty close to the end,” but stressed that “Ukraine has to agree” to any settlement. Putin reiterated that a sustainable resolution must address “root causes” of the crisis and Russia’s “legitimate concerns,” calling for a fair security balance in Europe.
Moscow’s proposal reportedly includes Kyiv’s withdrawal from eastern Donetsk and Luhansk in exchange for Russia freezing frontlines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, while offering limited territorial concessions elsewhere. Russia may also push for recognition of Russian language rights and autonomy for the Russian Orthodox Church.
A major breakthrough under discussion is NATO-like security guarantees for Ukraine instead of full NATO membership, an idea floated in the 2022 draft peace treaty. Trump has opposed Ukraine joining NATO but suggested Article 5-style protections backed by the US and EU. Such guarantees, coupled with Russia’s pledge not to attack other European states, could reshape the conflict’s trajectory.
European leaders, however, remain skeptical, warning that Kyiv is being pressured into concessions. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer insisted Ukraine is on an “irreversible path” to NATO. Meanwhile, Zelensky’s Washington visit underscored Europe’s unease with Trump’s handling of negotiations.
Kyiv has also proposed major US arms purchases worth $100 billion and a $50 billion drone production deal, with Europe expected to share costs. Talks are set to continue in a trilateral US-Russia-Ukraine meeting within weeks, as both sides move closer to testing a potential peace roadmap.
