MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that his recent discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska were “very frank,” with both leaders expressing a shared interest in bringing an end to the war in Ukraine.

Speaking at a follow-up meeting at the Kremlin on Saturday, August 16, Putin said Russia “respects the position of the American administration, which sees the need for a speedy end to military actions.” He added that Moscow would prefer to resolve all outstanding issues “by peaceful means.”

The Alaska summit marked the most significant attempt yet by Trump to halt the ongoing conflict, now stretching into its third year. Despite the high-profile meeting and extensive talks, the U.S. president was unable to secure a firm agreement from Putin to end Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.

Trump’s diplomatic push included a ceremonial welcome for the Russian leader, underscoring the importance Washington placed on the talks. However, the lack of a breakthrough highlighted the stark differences between the two nations on how peace should be achieved.

Analysts say the meeting, while symbolic, may still lay the groundwork for future negotiations. Both leaders acknowledged the urgency of stopping the bloodshed, but concrete steps toward peace remain elusive.

As global pressure mounts, world leaders are watching closely to see whether the Alaska summit will spark momentum toward a negotiated settlement — or fade as another missed opportunity in the search for peace.