European initiative accelerating towards Washington: triggering the emergency brake
The much-anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, 2025, has concluded without a ceasefire or a concrete deal to end the conflict in Ukraine. The talks ended without agreement, and Russian military strikes on Ukraine continued afterward [1][3].
Despite Trump's expressed desire for a rapid ceasefire and his belief in Putin's desire for a deal, the Kremlin was reportedly hesitant to commit to any temporary ceasefires, fearing it could be blamed if the ceasefire failed [2]. The summit's aim to end the war did not yield immediate results or changes to the conflict dynamics.
Following the meeting, Trump expressed his frustration with Putin as Russian attacks on Ukraine persisted despite the diplomatic efforts [5].
The meeting between Trump and Putin has caused continued concerns among allies. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, visited the White House on Monday with a delegation of European political heavyweights, with the primary concern being the need for credible and durable security guarantees for Ukraine [4].
The path ahead in the Ukraine-Russia conflict is uncertain. Trump believes he can engineer a direct meeting between Putin and Zelenskiy, but the Kremlin has not yet confirmed any such plans. Putin has undermined Ukrainian morale through his actions, and the war continues with airstrikes on civilian targets and a slow but relentless Russian advance in the east.
The meeting between Trump and Putin has deflected pressure for harsher sanctions. However, the need for credible and durable security guarantees for Ukraine remains a primary concern for the European leaders. European capitals have been unsettled by Trump's actions, and the price for this modest success was an unedifying spectacle of European politicians flattering and fawning over Trump.
In summary, the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska has not brought peace to Ukraine. The Kremlin appeared cautious about temporary ceasefires to avoid blame for breakdowns, and Russian strikes on Ukraine continued despite the summit. Trump personally expressed anger and disappointment after continued conflict. The need for credible and durable security guarantees for Ukraine remains a primary concern for the European leaders.
References: 1. BBC News 2. Reuters 3. The Guardian 4. CNN 5. AP News
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