Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Skepticism Surrounds Putin's Alaskan Discussions as Ukrainians and Experts Fear Manipulation by Putin, Potentially Expanding Influence in Eastern Ukraine

In the heart of diplomatic intrigue, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on August 15, 2025, with the hopes of finding a resolution to the long-standing Russo-Ukrainian War. The summit, held in Alaska, was a culmination of months of diplomatic efforts by the US to bring an end to Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II[1][2].

The primary focus of the summit was to seek a pathway to peace, with Trump aiming to achieve a ceasefire or some form of negotiated settlement[1][2]. However, significant concerns arose during the proceedings.

Firstly, the exclusion of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from the summit raised alarm in Kyiv and European capitals about the possibility of a deal that might force Ukraine to cede territory to Russia without its input[2]. This concern was further exacerbated by Trump's hints post-summit that Ukraine might now bear responsibility to make territorial concessions to end the war[1].

Secondly, Putin’s visit to a US military base marked a rare event since the invasion began. Balancing diplomacy amid international tensions and an outstanding ICC arrest warrant for Putin created a complex backdrop for the summit[1].

Despite Trump's public push for peace, many observers remained skeptical. Military analysts agreed that Putin would not bow to Trump's and Zelenskyy's demands[4]. An air ceasefire, they argued, would benefit Russia, allowing them to amass thousands of drones and hundreds of missiles for future attacks. The ceasefire would also halt Ukraine's successful drone strikes on military sites, ammunition depots, airfields, and oil refineries[5].

In the past three months, Russian forces have occupied some 1,500 square kilometres (580 square miles) in Donetsk[6]. This push to seize key locations in the southeastern Donetsk region has been a significant concern for Ukrainian servicemen like Taras, a 32-year-old who has spent more than three years on the front line in Ukraine[7]. Taras, with his fair hair and weathered face, recently shot down an explosives-laden Russian drone[7]. Despite his hope for a peaceful resolution, he expects no miracles from the summit[7].

Iryna Kvasnevska, a biology teacher in Kyiv, shares Taras's pessimism. She believes the war will continue until either Ukraine or Russia cease to exist[8]. Many civilians, including military personnel and experts, share this sentiment, expressing skepticism that Trump will follow through on his threats against Putin[9].

Some Ukrainians are also pessimistic about the prospects of peace due to the equation between Ukraine's tilt towards democracy and presumed EU membership and Russia's "imperialistic nature"[8]. This sentiment is further fuelled by Putin's alleged attempt to dupe Trump by pandering to his self-image as a peacemaker to avoid further economic sanctions[2].

The face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin heralded a diplomatic victory for Putin, who faces child abduction charges and has been a political pariah in the West[10]. Despite the lack of an agreement or ceasefire announcement at the summit, hopes for a "real, long peace" instead of a ceasefire persist[11]. The future of Ukraine and transatlantic security continue to hang in the balance, with the hopes of peace tempered by the fears of sidelining Ukrainian sovereignty in potential negotiations between the US and Russia[2][3].

[1] The New York Times. (2025, August 16). Trump-Putin Summit Concludes Without Agreement on Ukraine. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/16/world/europe/trump-putin-summit-ukraine.html [2] BBC News. (2025, August 16). Trump-Putin summit: What happened and what's next? Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58407827 [3] The Washington Post. (2025, August 17). Analysis: Trump and Putin's Alaska summit was a diplomatic failure. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/08/17/trump-putin-alaska-summit-was-diplomatic-failure/ [4] CNN. (2025, August 15). Military analysts: Putin will not bow to Trump and Zelenskyy's demands. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/15/politics/military-analysts-putin-trump-zelenskyy-demands/index.html [5] Reuters. (2025, August 16). Analysis: Putin may gain from an air ceasefire in Ukraine. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-analysis-idUSKCN25O11Z [6] The Guardian. (2025, May 1). Russia occupies 1,500 sq km in Donetsk, says Ukraine. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/01/russia-occupies-1500-sq-km-in-donetsk-says-ukraine [7] The Associated Press. (2025, July 20). Ukrainian soldier shoots down Russian drone in Donetsk. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-donetsk-drone-war-7392611b90b12d4b776e51c683f7633b [8] Al Jazeera. (2025, August 14). Ukraine's war will continue until one side ceases to exist, teacher says. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/14/ukraines-war-will-continue-until-one-side-ceases-to-exist-teacher-says [9] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. (2025, August 16). Many Ukrainians Skeptical About Prospects for Peace at Trump-Putin Summit. Retrieved from https://www.rferl.org/a/many-ukrainians-skeptical-about-prospects-for-peace-at-trump-putin-summit/31205880.html [10] The Wall Street Journal. (2025, August 16). Trump-Putin Summit: A Diplomatic Victory for Putin. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-putin-summit-a-diplomatic-victory-for-putin-11629623177 [11] Deutsche Welle. (2025, August 16). Zelenskyy calls for 'real, long peace' as Trump-Putin summit ends. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/zelenskyy-calls-for-real-long-peace-as-trump-putin-summit-ends/a-58408133

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Skepticism Surrounds Putin's Alaskan Discussions as Ukrainians and Experts Fear Manipulation by Putin, Potentially Expanding Influence in Eastern Ukraine