On August 15, US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin met in Alaska. Despite expectations from part of the international community, the topic of a ceasefire in Ukraine was not raised at the joint press conference.
The Russian leader's speech, according to The Telegraph, sounded as if it could have been written a year ago. Putin tried to emphasize potential "points of contact" with Trump - from trade to the development of the Arctic. At the same time, he made it clear that the main obstacle in relations between Moscow and Washington is the Ukrainian issue.
“It is important for our countries to turn the page,” Putin said, adding that without the war, relations could be “excellent.”
Trump's speech was brief. He unexpectedly called Putin "the boss," which caused surprise among those present and criticism from those who expected a tougher stance on Russia. At the same time, Trump emphasized that their meeting was "a 10" and expressed satisfaction with the communication.
The Telegraph drew attention to the spectacular reception organized for Putin in the United States: a red carpet on the runway, a formation flyover of planes, and even American soldiers kneeling to spread a path in front of his plane.
The meeting ended with an invitation for Trump to visit Moscow. However, no agreements or concrete arrangements were reached. There was no discussion of Russia's responsibility for the war against Ukraine.
The article emphasizes that Putin can consider the negotiations successful: he managed to show himself on an equal footing with the US president and create the impression of Russia's return "to the main table of world politics."
“If European leaders do not take any steps to support Ukraine after this, they will have to answer to history,” the publication concluded.
