U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned his push for an immediate Ukraine ceasefire during a high-stakes summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, instead aligning with Moscow’s call for a broader peace accord.
The meeting, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, ended with Trump announcing that the “best way to end the horrific war” is through a comprehensive peace agreement rather than a temporary ceasefire. The reversal marked a dramatic shift from his earlier threats of “severe consequences” and sanctions if Putin refused to halt hostilities.
From Ceasefire to Peace Agreement
Trump’s pivot followed consultations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. “It was determined by all that the best way to end the war … is to go directly to a Peace Agreement,” Trump wrote on social media as he flew back to Washington.
The White House has yet to release details of the talks. European allies expressed relief that Trump did not agree to territorial concessions but noted the outcome gave Putin fresh international legitimacy.
“This was a distinct win for Putin. He didn’t yield an inch,” said Carl Bildt, former prime minister of Sweden. “And a distinct setback for Trump. No ceasefire in sight.”
Democrats Warn of Weakness
Democrats criticized Trump’s warm reception of Putin, which included red carpet honors, a ride in the presidential limousine, and invitations for future meetings in Moscow.
“President Trump appears to have been played yet again by Vladimir Putin,” said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). “He rolled out a red carpet for a murderous dictator and got nothing concrete in return.”
Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) urged Congress to pass “crushing sanctions” against Russia, warning against “caving to Putin.”
Republicans Strike Cautious Tone
Trump’s Republican allies responded more cautiously. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) praised Trump’s initiative, predicting the war could end “well before Christmas” if trilateral talks with Zelenskyy proceed.
Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, voiced confidence in Trump’s diplomacy, citing his past mediation efforts in Africa and Asia.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) said she was “cautiously optimistic” but insisted that Ukraine “must freely agree” to any settlement.
A Boost for Putin
Analysts said Putin gained the most from the summit. The Russian leader, facing Western sanctions and diplomatic isolation, secured a stage alongside the U.S. president without conceding ground in Ukraine.
“Trump came out of the meeting weaker,” said Fiona Hill, a former U.S. National Security Council adviser. “Other leaders may now see him as not the deal making genius he claims to be.”
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called the meeting a “breakthrough” in restoring dialogue with Washington, praising its “calm, without ultimatums and threats” tone.
For Trump, the summit underscores both his ambitions to be seen as a global peacemaker — and the formidable challenge of dealing with Putin.
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