ANCHORAGE, Alaska, August 15 — Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Ukraine and European nations not to obstruct emerging peace efforts on Ukraine, warning against “provocations” or “backroom intrigues” that could derail progress. Speaking alongside U.S. President Donald Trump after their meeting at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Anchorage, Putin expressed hope for constructive engagement from all sides.
Putin agreed with Trump’s long-stated view that if he had been president in 2020, the war in Ukraine would not have occurred. “I think that’s exactly how it would have happened. I confirm this,” Putin said, noting a “very good, businesslike and trusting contact” with Trump, which he believes could speed up efforts to end the conflict.
The three-hour closed-door talks, attended by senior officials including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, explored possible settlement scenarios. Trump characterized the meeting as exploratory, suggesting discussions could include territorial adjustments “for the benefit of Ukraine” while acknowledging that “there will be bad things for both sides.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected any land concessions, citing constitutional limits.
Putin emphasized historical U.S.-Russia cooperation in Alaska as a model for restoring “mutually beneficial, equal relations” even under difficult circumstances. Both leaders described the talks as useful and substantive, though no agreement was reached. Putin invited Trump to a follow-up summit in Moscow, a proposal Trump called “interesting.”
