Will Ukraine's Security Be Guaranteed Amid Russian Demands?

Anchorage (Alaska), Aug 16 (NationPress) Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday that he concurred with US President Donald Trump that the security of Ukraine "must be ensured", but linked this assurance to the resolution of what he referred to as Russia's "fundamental security concerns".

"I align with President Trump in that the safety of Ukraine must be guaranteed, and naturally, we stand ready to collaborate on that," Putin mentioned at a press conference in Anchorage, Alaska.

He expressed optimism that an agreement made with Trump, which neither leader elaborated on, would "create a pathway towards peace in Ukraine".

Putin emphasized that the conflict could only conclude if "all the primary roots" of the issue were confronted.

"The circumstances in Ukraine relate to the fundamental threats to our security," he asserted.

"To acknowledge all legitimate concerns of Russia and to restore a fair equilibrium of security in Europe and worldwide… naturally, the safety of Ukraine should also be ensured," he continued.

The Russian leader did not specify what addressing those "roots" would entail, although previously he has associated the term with demands that Kyiv and its allies have rebuffed.

Trump informed reporters post-summit that he intended to update NATO leaders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and "other relevant officials" concerning their discussions.

"I am going to initiate some phone calls and inform them of what transpired," he noted.

The leaders convened for approximately three hours, a duration significantly shorter than the six to seven hours anticipated by Russian aides.

They emerged asserting "progress" on unspecified matters but did not declare a ceasefire, provide details, or take questions.

On Friday, Putin also expressed gratitude to Trump for the "trusting atmosphere" during their meeting in Alaska, according to media reports.

"I would like to extend my thanks to Trump for collaborating and fostering a friendly and trusting environment in the discussions. The critical aspect is that both sides were committed to achieving outcomes," Putin stated at a joint press conference with Trump following their meeting, as reported by the Russian news agency TASS.

Putin characterized his discussions with US President Donald Trump in Alaska as "positive and constructive".

"Our discussions were conducted in a respectful and constructive environment. They were quite thorough and beneficial," he said during a joint news conference.

Putin hopes that the agreements reached in Alaska will serve as a reference point for resolving the Ukrainian dilemma and restoring relations between Moscow and Washington.

The Russian President commenced his remarks at the briefing by acknowledging that US-Russia relations have deteriorated in recent years. Typically, when an American President welcomes a foreign leader, the joint news conference begins with remarks from the US leader, followed by his guest.

"Our discussions were held in a constructive and mutually respectful atmosphere," Putin stated after meeting Trump in Alaska, adding that he welcomed Trump "as a neighbor" and had established "very good direct contacts" with him.

The Russian leader pointed out that the conflict in Ukraine was a central topic, reiterating that Russia has "always viewed, and continues to view, the Ukrainian people as a brotherly people".

He added, "All the underlying causes of the crisis must be eradicated. Ukraine's security must, of course, be guaranteed, and we are prepared to collaborate on this."

Russian state media quoted Ambassador to the US Alexander Darchiev as saying that the general atmosphere around the discussions was positive.

It has been seven years since Russian President Vladimir Putin stood next to an American President to respond to questions. The last time was in Helsinki in 2018, during the controversial press conference where Donald Trump seemed to side with Russia over US intelligence agencies regarding election interference.

When Joe Biden met Putin in Geneva in 2021, he opted not to hold a joint press conference, instead fielding questions alone, a decision aimed, in part, at denying Putin a platform to influence the narrative of their discussions.

Trump and Putin concluded their three-on-three meeting after roughly three hours. The two leaders convened behind closed doors, accompanied by their top advisors.

Speaking to Fox News aboard Air Force One en route to Alaska, Trump indicated that he aimed to leave his meeting with Putin with a ceasefire in place, adding that he would not be satisfied if it did not materialize.

"I wouldn't be pleased if I left without it," Trump remarked, suggesting that some believe a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine may only occur after a subsequent meeting.

"We'll see what unfolds. I won't be content if I depart without some form of a ceasefire."

Putin, for his part, offered no indication of his stance.

When reporters at the airport shouted inquiries, including whether he would "stop killing civilians", the Russian leader smirked and gestured as if he could not hear.

Trump welcomed Putin to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska on Friday.

As the two leaders shook hands on the red carpet, F-22 fighters and B-2 stealth bombers flew overhead, aircraft developed during the 1970s and 1980s for a potential US-Soviet conflict, although they were commissioned only after the Cold War concluded.

Their presence during the welcome may have been a pointed reminder of US military strength as Trump and Putin prepared to engage in discussions regarding Russia's conflict in Ukraine.