Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Alaska. Credit / Getty Images
Putin Sets His Demands After Alaska Summit
Vladimir Putin has formally issued his conditions to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, one week after meeting with former President Donald Trump in Alaska.
During the summit, the two leaders reportedly held a private three-hour meeting. While they did not reach an agreement for an immediate ceasefire, Trump expressed optimism about a potential resolution.
Trump Weighs In on Ukraine
Trump took to Truth Social to suggest that Ukraine could end the conflict quickly.
“President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fig.ht,” he wrote. He added, “Remember how it started. No getting back Obama given Crimea… and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!”
Following the Alaska meeting, Trump met with President Zelenskyy and several European leaders at the White House to discuss strategies for ending the w*r.
Ukraine’s Resistance
Since Russia’s 2022 invasion, Ukraine has put up strong resistance. Casualty estimates suggest over one million Russian losses. However, Ukrainian leaders remain unwilling to surrender territory to Russia, making a definitive end to the w*r challenging.
Putin’s Three Demands
Though the details of the Alaska summit remain secret, sources told Reuters that Putin has outlined three main conditions for halting the invasion:
Ukraine must stop pursuing NATO membership.
No Western troops may be stationed on Russian soil.
Ukraine must withdraw from the parts of Donbas that Russia controls.
Reports indicate Russia may freeze current front lines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson in exchange for Ukraine ceding Donbas. Currently, Russia controls about 88% of Donbas and 73% of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
NATO Response
Meanwhile, NATO defense chiefs held a virtual meeting with Ukraine to discuss security guarantees. Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO Military Committee, described the discussions as “great,” highlighting alliance unity.
“Great, candid discussion among #NATO Chiefs of Defence today,” Dragone wrote on X. “The unity of the alliance was truly tangible, as always.”
The Question Remains
With Russia’s demands public and NATO coordinating with Ukraine, the question lingers: can Trump successfully mediate an end to the w*r?