It’s published
Protesters gathered in Anchorage parks in support of Ukraine on Friday to spread the large Ukrainian flag and chant “peace to Ukraine” as President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a face-to-face meeting.
The High Stakes Summit in Alaska was able to determine the trajectory of war in Ukraine and the fate of European security.
The summit gives Trump the opportunity to prove he is a master deal maker and a global peace superintendent. For Putin, it is an opportunity to negotiate a deal that solidifies Russia’s profits. Ukrainian President Voldymi Zelenki and European leaders were not invited to participate in the consultation.
This conference could have broad meaning as it is closely watched by foreign governments.
“Without the opinion of the Ukrainians, we would not end the war in a fair and fair way,” said Peter Casey, a resident of Anchorage.
“Trump and Putin want to make a deal for themselves that benefits them and doesn’t just end the conflict,” he added.
Many Anchorage residents questioned Putin’s motivations in these consultations, claiming that he had long shown a pattern of pursuing his interests. They also believe that the peace treaty would have little meaning if Trump could ultimately mediate a ceasefire.
“President Putin doesn’t want peace. He wants Ukraine and will not bring peace because anything that doesn’t drive him away from Ukraine will not stop,” Blake Severson said.
“We signed the peace treaty, Chechnya signed the peace treaty, Georgia signed the peace treaty, Ukraine signed the peace treaty, and Russia has invaded for 11 years.”
Severson added that “the peace deal does nothing to stop Putin,” and instead argued that Putin’s only real counter was to “blood his nose and fight back against aggression.”
Many have also been critical of Trump for inviting Putin for these talks in the US, stressing that it would be very inappropriate to play a host to the man the International Criminal Court wants.
“I hope they’re not here,” Julie said.
Julie pointed out that Trump’s direct communication with his Russian counterparts is a good initiative that could fill the gap and bring Kiev and Moscow closer to peace.
But she was cautious and noted that Trump had made many promises in the past that he hadn’t delivered yet.
“I think Trump made a lot of promises during his campaign that he would soon end the war within 24 hours, and he needs to show that he’s doing something about it.
The lecture, which was held at Elmendorf Richardson’s joint base, lasted approximately two and a half hours. The two leaders said at a press conference after private consultations that the meeting was very constructive.
Trump and Putin also said the Alaska Summit is the first step and more direct consultations are needed to reach a peace deal in the future. Trump has expressed his desire for Ukrainian President Volodimia Zelenkie and will participate in future consultations.
It is not yet known when the next consultation between leaders will take place, but officials say it is likely that it will happen “quickly.” The Russian leader proposed Moscow as the venue for his next meeting at a joint press conference with Trump following the meeting, saying that Trump “maybe you can see what’s going on.”
Additional sources •AP
