Washington: US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the “best way” to end the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict is through a comprehensive peace agreement rather than a fragile ceasefire, which he argued “does not hold up.” His remarks came after a high-profile summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which, despite lacking a breakthrough deal, was described by both leaders as “productive.”
Trump, who had earlier warned Moscow of “severe consequences” ahead of the meeting, softened his stance after two hours of talks with Putin followed by a late-night call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and consultations with European leaders, including NATO’s Secretary General.
“A great and very successful day in Alaska. It was determined by all that the best way to end this horrific war is a Peace Agreement, not a mere ceasefire,” Trump posted on Truth Social, calling the summit a major step forward.
The former president added that his discussions with Putin covered a wide range of issues, and while some disagreements remain, there was “significant headway” on multiple points.
For his part, Putin hailed the talks as being conducted in a “constructive atmosphere of mutual respect,” adding that the meeting could pave the way not only for a solution in Ukraine but also for reviving strained US–Russia business ties.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that he held “a long and substantive conversation” with Trump, which included an hour-long bilateral exchange before European leaders joined in. He is scheduled to travel to Washington soon for in-person talks with Trump on “ending the killing and the war.”
Though no formal agreement emerged from the Alaska summit, the shift in Trump’s position—from pressing for a ceasefire to calling for a permanent peace accord—signals a possible new phase in international efforts to end the devastating conflict.
