Putin Outlines Peace Proposal at Alaska Summit with Trump, Ukraine Pushes Back
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Russia has floated terms for a settlement in Ukraine during a summit between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Alaska, sources familiar with Moscow’s position said.
The proposals involve Russia returning small occupied areas in northern Ukraine in exchange for Kiev ceding the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions, while also freezing front lines in the south. Moscow would also demand recognition of its sovereignty over Crimea, security guarantees preventing Ukraine’s NATO membership, and the easing of Western sanctions.
The Alaska meeting marked the first encounter between the leaders of Russia and the United States since before the outbreak of Ukraine war in February 2022. Trump told Fox News that he and Putin had “largely agreed” on land transfers and security arrangements. “I think we’re pretty close to a deal,” Trump said, though he acknowledged Kiev’s consent was not certain.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, set to meet Trump in Washington on Monday, dismissed Russia’s conditions, saying withdrawal from eastern territories was unacceptable. “Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war,” he posted on X.
Putin’s offer rules out a ceasefire until a final settlement is reached, defying Kiev’s demand for a pause in hostilities amid ongoing Russian strikes. Ukraine has already rejected giving up Donetsk, which it regards as vital to preventing deeper Russian advances.
Moscow’s conditions also include official status for the Russian language inside Ukraine and free operation of the Russian Orthodox Church. Kiev has passed a law banning Russian-linked religious groups, though enforcement has not begun.
European leaders expressed cautious support for Trump’s mediation while reaffirming military and economic backing for Kiev. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the conflict might be closer to resolution but warned sanctions on Russia would remain if fighting continues. German and Canadian officials stressed that security guarantees for Ukraine must be central to any peace plan.
Putin’s meeting with Trump highlighted Russia’s demand for a veto on Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, a stance repeatedly rejected by Kiev and its allies. Trump, however, suggested that a security arrangement outside NATO could be considered.
Analysts said the summit allowed Putin to re-enter the diplomatic stage after years of Western isolation, though many European officials cautioned that the proposals heavily favor Moscow. Former German diplomat Wolfgang Ischinger said on X: “Putin got his red carpet treatment with Trump, while Trump got nothing.”
Despite talk of peace, the war raged on with continued air attacks by both Russia and Ukraine over the weekend. Trump, after returning to Washington, said further talks with Putin were likely. Putin, smiling, replied in English: “Next time in Moscow.”
