Trump: No Deal Reached to End Ukraine War.
The high-profile international summit concluded without producing any breakthrough to halt, resolve, or even temporarily pause the devastating conflict — now recognized as the largest and most destructive land war Despite intensive discussions, appeals for peace, and mounting global pressure, leaders left without a concrete agreement, leaving the brutal fighting to continue unabated into its fourth year, deepening humanitarian crises and fueling uncertainty across the region and beyond.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska — President Donald Trump said Friday that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had not reached a deal to end the war in Ukraine, despite Putin claiming the two had achieved what he described as an “understanding.” The leaders spent about two and a half hours together during a high-profile summit, but their meeting concluded with more questions than answers.
Standing side by side on stage after their discussions, Putin struck an optimistic note. He insisted that progress had been made, and he even cautioned Europe not to “torpedo the nascent progress” he believed was emerging. But when Trump spoke moments later, his words painted a far less certain picture. “There’s no deal until there’s a deal,” Trump remarked firmly, signaling that, in his view, a final agreement remained out of reach.
“Some are not that significant. We didn’t get there.”
The summit, which had been anticipated globally, ended without any concrete breakthrough. Leaders, diplomats, and analysts had been watching closely for signs of a cease-fire or even a temporary pause in the fighting. Yet, none of that materialized. Instead, the brutal war — the largest land conflict in Europe since the end of World War II in 1945 — rages into its fourth year, with no immediate relief in sight for Ukrainians living under relentless bombardment.
Both leaders avoided taking questions from reporters. Instead, they delivered short prepared remarks before leaving the stage. Putin, for his part, thanked Trump for what he described as the “friendly” tone of their conversation. He expressed hope that the meeting could serve as a turning point not only for Ukraine but also for broader U.S.-Russia relations. “I expect that today’s agreements will become a reference point not only for solving the Ukrainian problem, but will also mark the beginning of the restoration of businesslike, pragmatic relations between Russia and the U.S.,” Putin said.
Trump, while less definitive about progress on Ukraine, reciprocated Putin’s cordial tone. He said he planned to brief Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders soon, ensuring allies remained updated on what had been discussed behind closed doors.
The moment ended with a hint of levity. Putin, smiling, suggested that their next meeting could take place in Moscow. Trump paused, then chuckled, admitting that while such a trip would likely invite criticism at home, he did not dismiss the possibility. “That’s an interesting one,” Trump said. “I could see it possibly happening.”
Despite the lack of a deal, the Alaska summit offered a rare glimpse into the delicate personal dynamics between the two leaders. Both men leaned heavily on cordial gestures and warm words, even as the substance of their talks revealed deep divides. For now, the war in Ukraine grinds on, and the world is left waiting to see whether these conversations mark the beginning of genuine progress — or simply another diplomatic false start.