Live Updates: Trump-Zelenskyy Talks Loom, Signalling Peace Deal Progress

Russian President Vladimir Putin described his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska as “timely and very useful,” offering his first remarks since the summit on Friday, CNN reports. In a statement on Saturday, Putin highlighted that the discussions covered nearly all areas of cooperation, with a primary focus on the Ukrainian crisis.

“The visit was timely and very useful. We discussed practically all areas of our cooperation, but foremost, we talked about the possibility of resolving the Ukrainian crisis on a fair basis,” Putin said, according to the Kremlin.

The Russian leader further expressed respect for the Trump administration’s stance on Ukraine, reportedly saying, “We respect the US administration’s position on the need for an immediate end to hostilities, and we too hope for a peaceful resolution.”

He also described the conversation as “very frank and substantive,” noting that it helped bring both sides closer to the necessary decisions.

Reactions are pouring in from across Europe following the much-watched summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. While some leaders welcomed the opportunity for dialogue, others expressed disappointment over the lack of concrete progress. Here’s a snapshot of how Europe is responding: 

Finland

President Alexander Stubb thanked President Trump for sharing details of the meeting, and wrote in a post on X, “Thank you @POTUS for briefing us on your discussions in Alaska. Strong and credible security guarantees for Ukraine are a crucial element for sustainable peace.”

Germany

Former ambassador to the US Wolfgang Ischinger reportedly said “Putin got his red carpet moment” with Trump in Alaska, while “Trump got nothing”. “As feared: No ceasefire, no peace. No real progress – a clear 1:0 to Putin – no new sanctions. For the Ukrainians: Nothing. For Europe: deeply disappointing, Ischinger wrote on social media.

Italy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said a “glimmer of hope has finally opened to discuss peace in Ukraine”, while insisting that “Italy is doing its part, along with its Western allies.”

Norway

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide remained skeptical of Moscow’s intentions, telling reporters in Oslo that Putin “reiterated known arguments, such as emphasizing the so-called ‘root causes’ of the war… Our view is clear: it is important we must continue to put pressure on Russia, and even increase it,” as reported by Reuters.

European Union

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen voiced support for continued cooperation with the US and Ukraine, writing on X, “Thank you @POTUS for the update on discussions in Alaska. The EU is working closely with @ZelenskyyUA and the United States to reach a just and lasting peace. Strong security guarantees… are essential.”

United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the US shift toward concrete security guarantees, caling the Alaska Summit an “important progress.”

France

Emphasizing continued transatlantic cooperation, French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated, “We will continue to work closely with @POTUS and President @ZelenskyyUa to safeguard our interests in a spirit of unity and responsibility. France remains firmly at Ukraine’s side.”
 

US President Donald Trump has also suggested that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy would now be key to negotiating a ceasefire, signalling that a future meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin could help push forward peace talks to end the long drawn Russia-Ukraine war.

President Donald Trump revealed that although progress was made in his talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, there was no final agreement on the war in Ukraine. He emphasised, “No deal until there’s a deal.”

In a significant shift, US President Donald Trump has stated that a “peace deal” is the best way to end the war in Ukraine, moving away from his earlier position supporting a ceasefire, a stance Ukraine and its allies had been pushing for.

“It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up,” he wrote in a post on Truth Social, just hours after speaking on call with Zelenskyy and European leaders.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC on Monday after a “long and substantive conversation” following Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.