The recent meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, held at a US military base in Anchorage, drew global attention. The historic event provoked a wave of criticism, especially given the optics for supporters of democracy and international law. The Russian president, accused by international organizations of war crimes, was not met with new sanctions; instead, he received top-level recognition and a red carpet from Donald Trump.
The meeting was largely formal, resulting in no breakthroughs—no agreements or new decisions on Russia’s war against Ukraine were announced. Journalists at the press conference were not allowed to ask questions, while the planned leaders’ lunch was cancelled. Many Americans saw the event as humiliating, while Russian media portrayed it as a triumph.
During the talks, Putin used topics favored by Trump, repeating narratives about US elections and the potential for a quick end to the war. There was even mention of a possible future meeting in Moscow. Ukraine’s leadership, including President Zelensky, responded quickly: on Monday, a meeting with Trump in Washington is scheduled, where the US is expected to initiate negotiations toward a peace agreement.
On the frontline, the situation remains difficult, especially in the Pokrovsk area, where Russian forces have made gains. Ukrainian forces are counterattacking but require significant support. Problems include coordination issues, inaccurate reporting, and severe personnel shortages.
The main conclusion is that the meeting provided Putin with a propaganda victory, elevating his international status. Ukraine remains unwilling to relinquish its territories, and the decisive outcome will depend on the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The war is expected to continue, and reforms and resource mobilization are necessary for Ukraine’s defense.
