U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a much-anticipated summit in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025, focused on resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine but concluded without reaching a peace agreement or ceasefire. During the nearly three-hour talks, both leaders described their discussions as productive but gave few specifics, with Trump stating, “There’s no deal until there’s a deal.” The summit marked a significant diplomatic occasion, as it was the first direct U.S.-Russia engagement since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Trump’s subsequent remarks indicated a notable shift in the U.S. position, calling for direct talks aimed at a comprehensive peace agreement rather than the previously sought immediate ceasefire. This new stance aligns more closely with Kremlin priorities, as Putin insisted on full Ukrainian concession of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, a demand rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump also communicated that Moscow would halt further offensives in the south if its territorial demands were met. European leaders, expressing skepticism, reiterated support for Kyiv and advocated stringent sanctions on Russia if meaningful progress is not achieved. Zelenskyy, excluded from the summit, is set to meet Trump in Washington on August 18 to discuss further steps, with Kyiv maintaining that any resolution must include Ukrainian participation and security guarantees.