US President Donald Trump made it clear on Friday that his visit to Alaska is meant to get Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table and not as a representative of Ukraine. In comments to reporters while on Air Force One, Trump indicated that his aim is to put an end to the war and save lives and not for political advantage.
Trump Refuses to Pledge Security Assurances for Ukraine
Asked whether the United States would offer security guarantees to Ukraine in the framework of a possible peace agreement, Trump made no guarantee. “Maybe,” he replied, saying that Europe would have to take the leading role. Trump emphasized that any guarantees would not involve Ukraine’s entry into NATO. “Not in the form of NATO,” Trump said, that some things are just off the table.
Trump also attempted to dispel the impression that his actions are driven by self-interest. “I’m not doing it for my health. OK, I don’t need it,” he said to reporters. “I’d rather talk about our country, but I’m doing it to save a lot of lives.”
He threatened extremely bad penalties for Russia if Putin were not to negotiate in earnest, hinting at possible economic sanctions against Moscow.
Positive Tone Between US and Russia
Trump emphasized a positive tone in relations between the US and Russia by noting that Russian businesspeople were joining Putin to the summit. “I see that he’s taking a lot of business people with him, and that’s great. I appreciate that because they desire to do business, but they’re not doing business until we resolve the war,” he stated.
Trump said if there were progress on the conflict, business and economic opportunities discussions may ensue. “They’d like to get a piece of what I’ve done in the way of the economy,” he added. Trump, in spite of the obstacle, sounded optimistic with caution, commenting on mutual respect among the leaders. “Look, he’s a smart guy. Been doing it for a long time, but so have I… We get along.”. There’s a decent level of respect between both parties, and I believe something’s going to materialize,” he stated.
Zelenskyy Calls for Trilateral Engagement
In the meantime, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the stakes of the Alaska meeting, calling for a meaningful trilateral conversation between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. “The main thing is that this meeting should become a real way to a fair peace and a substantive conversation between leaders in a trilateral format,” Zelenskyy declared.
He further said, “It is time to stop the war, and the steps should be taken by Russia. We are hoping for America. We are prepared, as always, to work as efficiently as possible.” Zelenskyy is waiting for a report from the intelligence regarding Russia’s intentions and preparations for the next summit.
The Alaska summit is a special direct meeting between Trump and Putin at a time of heightened tension, with the international community waiting to observe whether the encounter can lay the groundwork for movement toward settling the war in Ukraine.
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