US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in a highly anticipated summit in Alaska on March 15, 2024, aiming to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting marks a significant moment as both leaders seek to determine the potential for a ceasefire in what has become the deadliest war in Europe since the Second World War.
Upon arriving in Alaska, Trump exited Air Force One and greeted Putin with a handshake on the tarmac, both leaders smiling as they exchanged pleasantries. US F-22 fighter jets flanked the red carpet, underscoring the gravity of the occasion. The meeting drew significant attention, with nearly half a million viewers tracking Putin’s arrival on Flightradar24.
Concerns loom over the discussions, particularly from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his European allies. They fear that Trump may compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty by effectively freezing the conflict, which includes recognizing Russian control over a significant portion of Ukrainian territory. Earlier, Trump attempted to alleviate these concerns by stating, “I’m not here to negotiate for Ukraine, I’m here to get them at a table.” He emphasized that any potential territorial exchanges must be decided by Ukraine itself.
As the summit progresses at a Cold War-era air force base in Alaska’s largest city, Trump expressed his urgency for a swift ceasefire. “I want to see a ceasefire rapidly… I’m not going to be happy if it’s not today… I want the killing to stop,” he stated to reporters. Both leaders aim to demonstrate their diplomatic influence during these first face-to-face talks since Trump returned to the White House.
Trump will be accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his special envoy to Russia, Steve Witkoff, as confirmed by White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt. Putin is expected to have key aides present as well. For Trump, achieving a truce in the ongoing conflict—often referred to as a “bloodbath”—could bolster his credentials as a global peacemaker and enhance his chances for the Nobel Peace Prize nomination.
The Kremlin’s perspective on the summit is cautiously optimistic. Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s special envoy, described the pre-summit atmosphere as “combative,” indicating that discussions will likely extend beyond Ukraine to encompass the full range of bilateral relations. Notably, Trump previously claimed he could resolve the conflict within 24 hours but acknowledged the complexities that have emerged.
Tensions remain high as Zelenskiy reported that Russia continues its military operations in Ukraine, even as negotiations take place. He noted, “On the day of the negotiations, they also kill people. And that says a lot,” reflecting the grim realities on the ground. Earlier reports indicated that a ballistic missile strike in the Dnipropetrovsk region resulted in one fatality and additional injuries.
Insights from within the Kremlin suggest that Moscow may be open to finding a compromise regarding Ukraine, particularly as the economic strain of the ongoing war becomes increasingly apparent. Russia faces vulnerabilities, including the potential for further US sanctions impacting its war economy.
In central Kyiv, residents expressed skepticism regarding the summit’s outcomes. One local, Tetiana Harkavenko, a 65-year-old cleaner, voiced her doubts, stating, “Nothing good will happen there, because war is war, it will not end. The territories – we’re not going to give anything to anyone.”
As the summit unfolds, the world watches closely to see if the dialogue between Trump and Putin can yield meaningful progress in the pursuit of peace in Ukraine.
