In an unexpected twist, Ukrainians woke up Saturday to discover that the much-anticipated meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska had not yielded any significant agreements. While many feared Trump might make concessions regarding Ukraine, the summit ultimately ended without any strategic outcomes, leaving some relieved but still very concerned.
During the summit, Putin received a red-carpet treatment complete with friendly applause from Trump, American soldiers, and even an escort of fighter jets as he arrived in Alaska. Countries often show such lavish respect at international gatherings, but for Ukrainians, welcoming a leader viewed as an aggressor was shocking and concerning.
"It was like a show staged to please Putin," said Maria Drachova, a Kyiv lawyer, reflecting widespread sentiments across Ukraine. She felt the situation was a glaring example of how the rational world seems to be behaving irrationally towards a "war criminal."
Through smiling gestures masked as cordiality, many Ukrainians interpreted the treatment as harmful legitimization of Putin's actions during the ongoing war. Writer Oleksandr Kovalenko shared similar feelings, noting that such treatment was unnecessary and disrespectful, given the backdrop of the war that has caused immense suffering in Ukraine.
After the summit’s formalities, the two leaders addressed the press under a banner claiming to pursue peace. However, when a journalist pressed Putin about stopping civilian casualties, he responded with a dismissive smirk, angering many Ukrainians who have felt the direct impact of the war.
Kier Giles, a senior fellow in political analysis, remarked that Trump's warm demeanor toward Putin essentially gave the Russian leader a "massive victory," allowing him to be treated like a respected statesman, despite his controversial actions.
In response to the summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of European leaders in upcoming negotiations to prevent any undue influence from Trump on matters concerning Ukraine’s fate. As Zelensky prepares for a return to Washington, he hopes for more constructive discussions ahead, rather than moments that appear to elevate Putin's position on the global stage.
