On August 15, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a joint press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, stated, “I can confirm” that the war in Ukraine would not have happened if Trump had been president in 2022. Putin described the summit, which aimed to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine, as “long overdue,” echoing Trump’s long-standing assertion that the conflict could have been prevented.
The Alaska summit, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, was the first U.S.-Russia meeting since 2021 and aimed at addressing the 3.5-year Ukraine war. Despite high hopes for progress, no ceasefire agreement was reached. Trump characterised the talks as a “listening exercise” designed to pave the way for future negotiations, potentially involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Putin echoed this sentiment by praising Trump’s “energetic efforts” toward achieving peace.
Putin: ‘I can confirm’ Ukraine war would have never started if Trump was president https://t.co/w5LMYtrHTo pic.twitter.com/Ab0HRrY9pF
— New York Post (@nypost) August 16, 2025While Putin praised the “trust-based” nature of the talks, Trump faced criticism for his inability to secure a deal. Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine’s exclusion makes any outcomes “meaningless.” Additionally, Putin’s claims support Trump’s narrative, but others raised concerns about the summit’s effectiveness. Russia’s unwavering demands for Ukraine to cede territories complicate the prospects for progress.
Putin’s statement supports Trump’s narrative but highlights the tensions surrounding the situation, as Ukraine and its European allies worry about possible concessions being made without Kyiv’s involvement. The lack of progress at the summit may increase demands for more inclusive discussions, which could reshape U.S.-Russia-Ukraine relations ahead of a proposed follow-up meeting. The outcome of these developments could also affect global perceptions of Trump’s diplomatic approach.
