US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met face-to-face in Anchorage, Alaska, to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. Interestingly, Ukrainian representatives were not invited to the meeting, which caused serious concern among European leaders, some even calling it “betrayal,” reported haqqin.az.
According to reports, during the talks Putin might present his counterpart with a roadmap for a ceasefire based on conditions completely unacceptable for Kyiv and Europe. Russian politician and Doctor of Economics Vladislav Inozemtsev noted that Moscow seeks to show the world the inclusion of four Ukrainian regions into Russia as a “real fact.” This, he said, could later mean an intention to exchange these territories for other major agreements.
Inozemtsev believes that Trump is interested in reaching an agreement with Russia. In his personal views, the main goal is to end any wars, even if that means making deals with dictators. For Trump, peace, trade, and the ability to live without war are the most important factors, even if accompanied by mutual deception. Therefore, his drive toward a deal with Putin seems natural.
At the same time, Putin may maintain a firm stance on several demands. However, he may also show flexibility on certain issues. It is quite possible that in Alaska the two sides could reach some form of agreement, but it would be heavy and unacceptable for Ukraine and Europe.
The American president, on the other hand, is interested in presenting the outcome as a “success story.” This is because he failed to reach an agreement with Congress on tariffs and his political standing has weakened. Now he aims to restore his reputation by showing an accord with Putin.
Putin, for his part, may entice Trump with economic deals in the Arctic or other regions. Large investments and generous offers from the Russian side are highly likely. Trump may accept them, since he sincerely wants to end the war in Ukraine.
The main danger, however, is that the agreement reached in Alaska would be unacceptable for Ukraine. Trump may try to portray such terms as a “very good deal.” But Ukrainians would absolutely reject it.
Inozemtsev emphasized that the negotiations may take place in two stages: first, a deal between Trump and Putin, and then attempts to implement it in a meeting between Putin and Zelensky. However, the likelihood of this process failing is high. If the deal with Putin falls through, Trump may simply take the position: “I wash my hands, the Ukraine issue is outside of me.”
In addition, according to Inozemtsev, the likelihood of a scandal in Anchorage is low. On the contrary, Trump may tell journalists about a “plan of territory exchange and ending the war.” Even if Zelensky accepts this option, the occupied territories would not be officially recognized as Russia, since this would be equivalent to a total violation of international law.
In conclusion, the war in Ukraine will continue. Economically, full cooperation between the US and Russia seems unlikely. The main sanctions, especially in the banking sector, are expected to remain.
Thus, the agreement reached in Alaska may be presented officially as a “step toward peace,” but in Ukraine and Europe it will be perceived as heavy and unacceptable terms. For Trump, however, the main goal remains to present himself as a peace-oriented president.
Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!
