In a discussion in Alaska, Kallas confirms that Putin expresses a desire for a picture with Trump and a delay in imposing sanctions
In an interview with "Suspilne", Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, expressed her concerns about the upcoming meeting in Alaska between Vladimir Putin, the dictator of Russia, and US President Donald Trump.
According to Kallas, the meeting should involve those affected by the conflict, namely Ukraine and President Zelensky, as she believes that Putin does not want Zelensky at the meeting. Kallas's statement implies that Putin's lack of seriousness about talks could be due to his unwillingness to engage with Zelensky.
Kallas emphasized that all pressure should be directed at the aggressor, not the victim, and that the West should put pressure on Russia to make concessions. She believes that if Putin were serious about talks, Ukrainian President Zelensky would be present.
The war, as per Kallas's statement, is happening between Russia and Ukraine. Kallas noted that the result of the meeting in Alaska should be an unconditional ceasefire to allow real talks between Ukraine and Russia.
Putin, in his remarks, emphasized the neighborly relationship and mutual respect, noting the proximity of the two countries and the meaningful nature of the negotiations. Trump indicated that many points were agreed upon but did not announce any ceasefire or formal agreement at the meeting.
There is no evidence from available sources that Putin's intent in the Alaska 2025 talks with Donald Trump was primarily for a photo opportunity or to delay sanctions, as suggested by Kaja Kallas. The summit, held on August 15, 2025, focused mainly on discussions about the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War and was described by both leaders as substantive and constructive.
Despite this, Kallas's claim that Putin is not serious about talks with Trump appears to be an interpretation or opinion not substantiated by the official records and reporting on the summit's content and tone.
Kallas also noted that Putin has not made any concessions so far, and to have any results or real talks, Zelensky, as the President of Ukraine, should be involved. The West should apply pressure to Russia to encourage concessions and genuine negotiations, according to Kallas.
References: [1] Suspilne. (2025, August 16). Kaja Kallas: Putin does not want Zelensky at the meeting in Alaska. Retrieved from https://www.suspilne.media/4118082-kaja-kallas-putin-ne-hochu-zelenskogo-na-zasedanii-v-alasce
[2] White House. (2025, August 16). Remarks by President Trump and President Putin in Joint Press Conference. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-president-putin-joint-press-conference/
[5] Reuters. (2025, August 16). Trump, Putin hold constructive talks on Ukraine, Syria, Iran - Kremlin. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trump-putin-hold-constructive-talks-ukraine-syria-iran-kremlin-2025-08-16/
- Kaja Kallas pointed out that that the Russo-Ukrainian War, a general news topic, is a war-and-conflict involving Ukraine, a country affected by the conflict, and politics play a significant role in negotiations aiming to resolve this issue.
- In light of the Alaska summit between Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, Kaja Kallas asserts that politics could necessitate the inclusion of Ukrainian President Zelensky in future discussions for any genuine negotiations, given Putin's supposed unwillingness to engage with Zelensky, which she finds troubling.
