ANCHORAGE – In a striking policy shift, US President Donald Trump has called on Ukraine to agree to a direct peace settlement with Russia, warning that a temporary ceasefire would not be enough to end Europe’s bloodiest war in generations.
Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin for nearly three hours in Alaska on Friday. While the summit ended without a ceasefire agreement, Trump said both leaders had agreed that peace must come through a full settlement rather than short-term truces.
“Russia is a very big power, and they’re not,” Trump said bluntly when asked what advice he would give Ukraine’s leadership. “Gotta make a deal.”
Trump confirmed he will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Monday, and suggested a three-way summit with Putin could follow. Zelensky responded positively after speaking with Trump, reaffirming Ukraine’s readiness for “constructive cooperation” and highlighting the need for strong security guarantees to prevent another invasion.
Putin, meanwhile, described the talks with Trump as a step toward peace but avoided committing to meeting Zelensky. He said Russia remained ready to discuss mechanisms to ensure Ukraine’s security, though European officials warned Moscow was using diplomacy to weaken Western unity.
Trump also hinted at discussions over land concessions and NATO-related guarantees for Ukraine, saying “we’re pretty close to a deal” but acknowledging Kyiv’s approval was essential.
The Alaska summit sparked sharp criticism in Europe, with NATO members stressing that no real progress had been made. Former German envoy Wolfgang Ischinger branded it a “diplomatic win” for Putin, while Norway’s foreign minister insisted the West must “increase pressure” on Moscow.
Despite the criticism, Trump signaled optimism and even hinted at another meeting with Putin, possibly in Moscow. “I might get a little heat on that one,” he admitted, “but I could see it happening.”