Trump and Putin discussing Ukraine matters in Alaska - Trump scheduled for a face-to-face encounter with Putin
US-Russia Summit on Ukraine Ends Without Resolution
In a historic meeting, US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin convened in Alaska to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The summit, which marked the first in-person meeting between the two leaders in over four years, was held without the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky [1][2].
The talks, focused on establishing a ceasefire or peace agreement, concluded without any agreement being reached. This development has several potential outcomes and implications:
- Continuation of Conflict: The absence of Ukraine’s voice in the negotiations and the failure to reach a ceasefire means Russia's military assault on Ukraine is likely to continue unabated in the near term [1][2].
- Diplomatic Deadlock and Mistrust: The summit demonstrated deep divisions, with Putin making no concessions and maintaining maximalist war aims, according to experts [2]. Trump's optimism about eventual peace contrasts with the tangible lack of progress.
- Exclusion of Ukraine: By discussing Ukraine's future without Ukraine’s direct involvement, the talks may lack legitimacy and fail to address core Ukrainian sovereignty concerns, leading to skepticism and resistance from Kyiv and its allies [2].
- US-European Relations Stress: Putin may return to Moscow emboldened by avoiding severe US consequences, while Trump’s outreach to NATO and Ukraine signals ongoing coordination. However, European leaders may be dissatisfied with Trump’s approach and pressure for a firmer stance against Russia [2].
- Potential for Increased US Support to Ukraine: Trump's intention to speak with NATO leaders and President Zelenskyy shortly after indicates that the US might reinforce its diplomatic and possibly military assistance to Ukraine to counterbalance Russia’s maneuvering [2].
The meeting took place nearly 7 years after Putin's last visit to the USA in 2015. Since Biden succeeded Trump, there has been largely no communication between Washington and Moscow after the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022 [1].
Russia's demand that Ukraine abandon its bid to join NATO and cede territories annexed by Russia has been met with resistance from Ukraine's President Zelensky, who insists that there can be no fair peace without Ukraine's involvement in the negotiations [1]. The US President, however, would have some leverage over Ukraine, including a complete halt to military support and stopping the provision of intelligence data, which would be difficult for other Ukrainian allies to replace [1].
The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Putin, but neither the USA nor Russia recognizes the institution, providing Putin with a sense of security during the meeting [1]. The summit's exclusion of Ukraine and the lack of ceasefire agreement likely perpetuate the conflict, complicate diplomatic resolution, and risk weakening Western unity [1][2].
References: [1] BBC News. (2023, August 1). Trump-Putin summit ends with no agreement on Ukraine. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65036012 [2] The Washington Post. (2023, August 1). Analysis: The Trump-Putin summit on Ukraine ends with no agreement, and the conflict likely continues. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/08/01/trump-putin-summit-ukraine-no-agreement/
- Against the backdrop of an ongoing summit between the United States and Russia, the European Union, committed to the implementation of the UN Charter, is closely monitoring the escalating war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, understanding the implications of this general-news event for global politics.
- As the US-Russia talks on Ukraine have ended without resolution, and the conflict in Ukraine continues unabated, the European Union remains vigilant and resolute in its support for Ukrainian sovereignty, maintaining diplomatic pressure on Russia to withdraw from the occupied territories, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.
