The important meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska lasted more than two and a half hours on Friday and ended. The whole world was eyeing this high-profile summit, as it could affect Ukraine War and Europe’s security situation. This was the first time the two leaders met face to face after 2019. His high-level team was also present along with the two leaders, where banners of “Pursuing Peace” were installed.
Prior to the meeting, Trump had said that his goal is to stop the war immediately and to promise Putin that he will soon meet Ukraine President Volodimir Jailonski. However, there was no consensus on the ceasefire between the two leaders. At the same time, Putin has also invited Trump to come to Russia.
Important things of meeting between Trump and Putin:
1. Regarding the meeting, President Donald Trump admitted that some progress has been made but “big issues” are still left. He said, “Many points have been agreed but some points are left. One issue is the most important, but I will not tell him right now.” He said that he will soon talk to Jailonsky and European leaders. Trump also indicated that his next meeting with Putin could be in “Moscow”.
2. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he is “honestly interested” to end the war, but will have to solve the first “main reasons for the struggle”. He warned that Ukraine and Europe should not “sabotaz”. Putin described the relationship with Trump as a “business-lank” and reiterated that if Trump had been the President even after 2020, this war would not have started.
3. At the end of the press conference, Putin invited Trump to come to Moscow in English. Trump said it is “interesting” and “possible”, although he believed that he may have to face criticism on it.
4. Russian President Putin praised Trump’s “friendly” tone and said that America and Russia should move towards “new page open”. He described Trump as a leader who has “clear thinking” and worries about the prosperity of his country.
5. After the meeting, the two leaders made joint statements but did not take questions of the press. Putin called it a “beginning of agreement”, but he too did not talk about the consent.
6. After the meeting, Putin offered flowers to the grave of Soviet pilots in Alaska who were killed while flying the aircraft under the training and lend-lease program during World War II.
7. Originally a one-on-one conversation made a 3-on-3 session later. It included Marco Rubio and Steve Witchoff from American side, while Sergei Lavarov and Yuri Ushakov from Russia. This was considered a more careful step than the Helsinki meeting of 2018.
8. Alaska’s strategic base and the place near Russia made the meeting more symbolic. At the same time, Ukraine is still facing heavy bombing and difficult war on the 600 mile long front.
9. Jailonski was not part of this meeting. He said in the video message, “Everyone wants an honest end of war. Ukraine is ready for it, but the war is pulling because there is no sign from Moscow that he wants to finish it.”
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