According to Financial Times, the meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, which took place in August in Alaska, did not bring the expected results. Sources say the U.S. president, instead of discussing an agreement on Ukraine, was forced to listen to a long historical lecture from the Russian leader about medieval princes.
According to the report, Putin rejected Trump’s proposal for “easing sanctions in exchange for a ceasefire.” His demands were much tougher and included the full capitulation of Ukraine and the transfer to Russia of the remaining unoccupied territories of Donbas.
During the closed-door conversation, Putin arranged a real “historical excursion” for Trump, talking about Rurik, Yaroslav the Wise, and Cossack Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky — figures he usually mentions to justify his thesis about the “unity of Russia and Ukraine.” According to FT sources, Trump was so astonished by what was happening that he raised his voice several times and even threatened to leave the meeting.
As a result, the negotiations were ended earlier than planned, and the scheduled working lunch between the delegations — meant to discuss future economic relations — was canceled. Trump tried to propose recognizing the annexation of Crimea and the partial withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas, but Putin rejected this, demanding control over the entire region.
After the summit’s failure, relations between the two leaders sharply deteriorated. Disappointed by Putin’s behavior, Trump authorized European allies to purchase weapons from U.S. stockpiles for Ukraine and began discussions about supplying Kyiv with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of reaching Moscow. In addition, in response to India continuing to import Russian oil, the United States imposed an additional 25% tariff.
At the same time, FT notes that Putin continues to maintain a flattering tone toward Trump in public. He expressed condolences over the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and hinted that the American president deserved the Nobel Peace Prize.
As Politico reports, media coverage describing the summit as “Putin’s victory” angered Trump. However, in an official comment to FT, the White House called the meeting “productive” and denied claims that it had failed.
A representative of the administration stated: “Washington considers any dialogue useful if it helps to better understand Russia’s position.”
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