Could Trump and Putin's Talks Lead to a Breakthrough on Ukraine?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trump and Putin hold talks for three hours.
- A breakthrough agreement on Ukraine was announced.
- Details of the agreement remain undisclosed.
- The meeting was described as productive by Trump.
- Potential implications for India regarding Russian oil tariffs.
New York, Aug 16 (NationPress) Presidents Donald Trump of the US and Vladimir Putin of Russia have declared a significant breakthrough after a lengthy three-hour discussion regarding Ukraine in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday.
"I am optimistic that the agreement we have established will assist in moving us closer to achieving peace in Ukraine," stated Trump.
"I believe our meeting was extremely productive," he remarked.
"There were numerous points that President Putin and I came to an agreement on."
A resolution would hold substantial importance for India, as it might negate the 25 percent punitive tariff that Trump has threatened on the purchase of Russian oil.
Neither leader provided specifics about the agreement nor confirmed whether a ceasefire was in the works.
Trump hinted that there were "a couple of major issues we haven't fully resolved, but we have made progress."
"One of these is likely the most crucial, and we are in a good position to achieve it. While we haven't finalized it yet, there is a strong possibility of success," he added.
"I will reach out to NATO and the relevant parties, including President Zelensky, to inform him about today's discussions," he indicated.
Heading into the summit, Trump stated he would not negotiate on behalf of Ukraine, emphasizing that it was Zelensky's responsibility to strike a deal.
He clarified during the news conference, "No agreement exists until a deal is finalized."
The two Presidents refrained from taking questions from the press.
Putin remarked, "We must modify the current circumstances to transition from confrontation to constructive dialogue."
"Strange as it may seem under these circumstances, Russia and Ukraine share common roots, and everything unfolding is a tragedy for us, a deep wound," he stated.
"Thus, our country is genuinely eager to see this conflict resolved."
Rather than the anticipated three phases of the summit, which included a private meeting, they proceeded directly to the second phase, with Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with Putin's foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov participating.
The third phase, a luncheon involving additional officials, did not seem to occur.
Trump greeted Putin on a red carpet, and they engaged in friendly conversation as they entered a limousine to continue their dialogue.