The President of the United States Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a brief joint press conference this Friday in Anchorage, Alaska, following their meeting, but did not disclose specific details nor confirm an agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
The meeting, which lasted just 12 minutes, concluded without addressing questions from the press. Trump stated that "the United States and Russia have not yet reached the point" of an agreement, although he assured that "some progress" was made and there were “many points" on which they agreed”, according to reports from U.S. media.
"There is no agreement until there is an agreement," were Trump's words.
The U.S. president indicated that he will contact NATO and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to inform him of the details of the meeting with Putin, and emphasized: “Ultimately, the decision rests with them.”
For his part, Putin urged Kiev and the European capitals to act in a "constructive" manner and to avoid "provocations and behind-the-scenes intrigues" that hinder progress.
He reiterated that the war cannot end without addressing what he considers the "primary causes" of the conflict: threats to Russia's security.
"The situation in Ukraine is related to fundamental threats to our security", said the Russian.
According to the president, lasting peace will require a fair balance of security in Europe and the world, as well as guarantees for Ukraine.
Although the Kremlin is interested in ending what is happening in Ukraine, Putin asserted: “we are convinced that for the solution to be sustainable and long-term, we must eliminate all the primary roots, the primary causes of that conflict.”
"I hope that the agreement we have reached together will help us move closer to that goal and pave the way for peace in Ukraine," he added.
Although both leaders expressed their willingness to continue working towards a solution, they did not specify the terms of a possible agreement, leaving the outcome of the negotiations in suspense.
John Bolton, former national security advisor to President Donald Trump, stated to the network CNN that Trump achieved very little while Putin gained a lot, as he escapes sanctions and buys time.
On her part, the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia during the Obama administration stated in a post on X after the press conference that the United States should now increase its assistance to Ukraine.
"As expected, there is no agreement," he wrote. "Putin has always been buying time. It seems he has poured a bucket of cold water over the ideas of the United States. Putin does not want peace; he is not willing to compromise."
"It is time to quickly arm Ukraine and impose more sanctions. Russia must be defeated militarily for the Kremlin to negotiate," he stated.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Joint Press Conference of Trump and Putin on the War in Ukraine
What was discussed in the joint press conference between Trump and Putin?
Trump and Putin discussed the war in Ukraine, but did not reveal concrete details nor confirm an agreement to end the conflict. Both leaders expressed that there were advances and agreement on several points, but left the terms of a possible final agreement unresolved.
What position did Putin take regarding the war in Ukraine during the press conference?
Putin urged Kiev and European capitals to act constructively and avoid provocations. Putin emphasized that to end the war, the "root causes" of the conflict must be addressed, which he claims are linked to threats to Russia's security.
What were Trump's statements about a possible peace agreement in Ukraine?
Trump stated that there is no agreement until there is an agreement. He mentioned that the United States and Russia have not yet reached a deal, although some progress has been made. Trump also indicated that he would reach out to NATO and Ukrainian President Zelensky to inform them about the meeting.
What is the analysts' opinion on the meeting between Trump and Putin?
Analysts like John Bolton and Evelyn Farkas believe that Putin has gained time and avoided sanctions, while Trump has made few advancements. Farkas suggested that the United States should increase aid to Ukraine and impose more sanctions to pressure Russia into negotiations.
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