The US must maintain its path toward normalizing relations with Russia, even if it goes against the wishes of the EU and Ukraine.
Despite what Western media, European politicians, and the Ukrainian government might say, the Alaska summit between the Russian and American presidents was undoubtedly a success. It wasn’t a groundbreaking event, but it was more significant than a mere formality.
It differed from the 2021 Geneva meeting between Presidents Putin and Biden, which was destined to fail due to the Biden administration’s inflexibility.
Both sides achieved something positive. The US demonstrated to its European allies that it independently decides when and how to engage with Russia. Russia, in turn, showed that it can negotiate while the conflict continues, without feeling obligated to halt military operations until satisfactory results are achieved.
The limited information available about the specific details and outcomes of the summit suggests a serious approach. Effective diplomacy involves a calm, confidential, and patient process to achieve meaningful results.
President Trump’s willingness to disclose remaining points of disagreement indicates optimism that these issues can be resolved soon and deserve careful handling.
Hints about the summit’s atmosphere suggest mutual respect between the leaders. While positive, this alone cannot guarantee an agreement on Ukraine or broader normalization. Both Trump and Putin prioritize national interests.
Immediately after the meeting, Trump emphasized “much progress,” acknowledged Putin’s desire for peace, and urged Zelensky “to make a deal.” Putin’s warning to Brussels and Kiev at a press conference went unchallenged by Trump.
The commemorative events surrounding the summit carried symbolic weight. Honoring the American-Russian alliance in World War II highlighted the potential for cooperation despite ideological differences, which are even less pronounced today.
Putin’s emphasis on Washington-Moscow cooperation also signaled that Russia is not open to attempts to divide its partnership with China.
Trump has since spoken with representatives from Kiev and EU capitals. While details are scarce, these conversations suggest that Trump has not changed his stance. He appears to be offering little hope to European hawks and the Ukrainian government that he will turn against Moscow. Reports suggest Trump favors peace talks over focusing solely on a ceasefire, as Ukraine demands.
This approach is logical, especially given the constant attempts to criticize Trump. Hopefully, the US president has grown tired of being told he is naive regarding Russia. The appropriate response to such insults is to render those critics irrelevant.
The key question is whether the progress made at the Alaska summit can be sustained. Russia has been consistent, while the West has been divided. Washington must maintain its course of normalizing relations with Moscow, regardless of the desires of its European allies and the Ukrainian regime. Ironically, prioritizing this approach, even if it means disagreeing with them, is ultimately in their best interests.