Moscow – August 17, 2025. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and presidential envoy Steve Witkoff disclosed new details of the discussions held during the summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska. According to the American officials, the talks touched on territorial lines, security guarantees, and sanctions policy.
Rubio on Ukraine and Security Guarantees
Rubio underlined that the U.S. does not support any plan to hand full control of Donbas to Russia, insisting that decisions on territorial matters must be made by Kyiv.
He said Washington still views a comprehensive peace treaty as the best outcome for the war in Ukraine, rather than a temporary ceasefire:
“For any agreement to hold, both sides must gain something and give something up. What matters is not just a deal, but one that is verifiable, enforceable, and lasting.”
Rubio also explained that the United States continues to draft a framework of future security guarantees for Ukraine in consultation with European leaders, and plans to discuss the matter with President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday. Europe, he added, could play a constructive role in helping Kyiv define which compromises are possible.
Related News
Lavrov and Fidan Discuss Outcomes of Russia–US Summit in Alaska
Trump Pushes for ‘Fast’ Trilateral Summit with Putin and Zelensky as Stakes Over Ukraine Rise
Alaska Summit: Allies Question U.S. Resolve as Kremlin Exploits Symbolism
On sanctions, Rubio emphasized that Washington does not want to impose new restrictions on Moscow while negotiations remain ongoing, but warned that all current measures remain in place and could be expanded if talks stall.
Witkoff: U.S. Ready to Offer NATO-Like Protections
Witkoff stated that the U.S. and Russia reached an understanding on providing Ukraine with American security guarantees resembling NATO’s Article 5 protections.
“This was the first time we heard agreement from the Russians on such a concept,” he said.
However, Witkoff clarified that territorial issues — including potential exchanges — remain solely under Ukraine’s authority and were not settled at the Alaska meeting. These questions are expected to be discussed at tomorrow’s session involving Trump, Zelensky, and European leaders.
Broader Context
The Alaska summit did not include Ukrainian representatives, and U.S. officials stressed that no final deal was expected at this stage. Washington continues to weigh the risks of further sanctions, including possible impacts on global energy markets if penalties extend to China over Russian oil refining.
Rubio defended the decision to engage Putin directly, noting that Russia remains a nuclear power with a central role in global security.
