Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticized the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, accusing Trump of giving Putin ‘what he wanted.’ The summit, held on August 15, marked the first time Putin had visited the U.S. outside of the United Nations since 2007. Despite high hopes for a peace deal, the meeting failed to produce an agreement, leaving many questions unanswered.
Trump, who had campaigned on ending the Russia-Ukraine war, faced significant scrutiny over the outcome. Zelenskyy, in a recent interview with ABC’s Martha Raddatz, accused Trump of compromising Ukraine’s position by facilitating a meeting that did not include Ukraine’s leader. ‘It’s a pity that Ukraine was not there, because I think President Trump gave Putin what he wanted,’ Zelenskyy stated. This comment underscores the deepening mistrust between Zelenskyy and Trump, who has been a contentious figure in the conflict.
Putin’s attendance at the summit was notable, as it represented a significant diplomatic effort. However, the outcome has been met with skepticism, especially given the concurrent Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory. The summit, which was widely anticipated to yield a breakthrough, fell short of expectations, with Trump and Putin admitting they had not reached a final agreement. While some progress was made, the lack of a concrete ceasefire has left many, including Zelenskyy, dissatisfied.
Zelenskyy’s criticism comes after a tense exchange with Trump and Vice President JD Vance in February, which highlighted the strained relationship between the two leaders. Despite this, their recent meeting in August showed a more cooperative tone. Nevertheless, Zelenskyy has been clear about his stance, rejecting any offer to meet Putin in Moscow while the war continues. This position reflects his determination to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The summit’s failure to deliver a peace deal has raised concerns about the future of the conflict. As the war continues, the international community watches closely for any signs of progress. Zelenskyy’s public criticism of Trump underscores the challenges of diplomatic efforts and the complexities of resolving the conflict. The situation remains volatile, with both sides facing significant pressure to find a solution.