President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin maintain a press convention at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska on Friday after a day of talks aimed toward ending the conflict in Ukraine.
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Andrew Harnik/Getty Photographs
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — President Trump has completed his high-stakes summit together with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, and although the 2 leaders touted progress over ending the conflict in Ukraine they didn’t announce any steps towards reaching a ceasefire.
After a number of hours of talks on Friday, the leaders took their positions on a stage behind two lecterns inside a press submitting heart at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson flanked by U.S. and Russian flags. The backdrop behind them learn “Pursuing Peace.”
Trump mentioned the 2 leaders “made some headway, however that there “was no deal till there is a deal.”
“There have been many, many factors that we agreed on, most of them I might say a few huge ones that we have not fairly bought there,” Trump mentioned.
Trump referred to an settlement, however didn’t give additional specifics. He mentioned his subsequent steps can be reaching out to Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy in addition to NATO and European leaders.
President Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin as he arrives at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
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Trump, who earlier than the summit mentioned he wouldn’t be comfortable if he did not attain a ceasefire on this go to, mentioned there are a number of factors that also have to be resolved.
“There are only a only a few which are left,” Trump mentioned. “Some will not be that vital. One might be probably the most vital,” he mentioned. “We’ve an excellent probability of getting there. We did not get there.”
Putin, who spoke first, additionally referenced an settlement, however supplied no particulars. He mentioned he was “sincerely ” in ending his conflict with Ukraine. However to settle the conflict, Putin mentioned the “major roots” of the battle and the “official considerations” for Russia needed to be thought-about.
“I want to hope that the settlement that we have reached collectively will assist us convey nearer that aim and can pave the trail in the direction of peace in Ukraine,” Putin mentioned. “We anticipate that Kyiv and European capitals will understand that constructively and that they will not throw a wrench within the works.”
He described an “environment of mutual respect” for the talks and mentioned the 2 groups have established “an excellent direct contact” with the administration.
“Me and President Trump have constructed an excellent business-like and reliable contact,” Putin mentioned.
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for talks with President Trump.
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Trump, who pledged a fast finish to the conflict in Ukraine throughout his 2024 marketing campaign, touted that his lengthy relationship with Putin would assist him in discussions.
Trump had warned of “extreme penalties” for Putin if progress was not made on ending the conflict – however didn’t reference sanctions throughout his temporary remarks.
What Ukraine and Europe need from talks
European leaders who’ve backed Ukraine in its combat towards Russia spoke with Trump on Wednesday, saying Putin should conform to a ceasefire and safety ensures for Ukraine earlier than any peace talks start.
On Friday, Trump mentioned he was open to offering safety ensures for Ukraine “together with Europe and different international locations,” however he emphasised that will not contain Ukraine changing into part of NATO.
Forward of the summit, Trump had talked about the potential of a “land swap” between Russia and Ukraine. Zelenskyy has strongly opposed ceding territory, noting that doing so would violate his nation’s structure.
On the flight to Alaska, Trump acknowledged that he and Putin would speak about land being exchanged — however mentioned it was as much as Ukraine. He has mentioned he noticed Friday’s assembly as a prelude to broader talks between Putin and Zelenskyy.
“I’ve bought to let Ukraine make that call. And I believe they’re going to make a correct determination. However I am not right here to barter for Ukraine. I am right here to get them at a desk,” he mentioned.
As Trump and Putin have been arriving in Alaska, Zelenskyy took to social media to criticize Russia for ongoing assaults on Ukraine.
“On the day of negotiations, the Russians are killing as nicely. And that speaks volumes,” Zelenskyy mentioned. “Ukraine is able to work as productively as doable to convey the conflict to an finish, and we depend on a powerful place from America. The whole lot will rely upon this – the Russians think about American energy. Make no mistake – energy.”
Protesters maintain up Ukrainian flags exterior Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson as Trump and Putin met in Anchorage.
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Bastien Inzaurralde/AFP by way of Getty Photographs
When Trump concluded his remarks, he advised Putin, “We’ll communicate to you very quickly.”
Putin responded – talking in English: “Subsequent time in Moscow.”
“Oh, that is an attention-grabbing one,” Trump mentioned. “I do not know. I will get a bit warmth on that one. However I can see it probably occurring.”
