SAVANNAH, Ga. () — On Friday, President Donald Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska for a significant summit. Many were optimistic that this meeting might usher in negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
However, the outcome of their negotiations was unclear.
“There were many, many points that we agreed on. Most of them I would say a couple of big ones that we haven’t quite gotten there but we’ve made some headway,” President Trump remarked.
Earlier, the president had stated that he would not engage in negotiations on behalf of the Ukrainians without Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy being present at the summit.
“I will of course call up President Zelenskyy and tell him about today’s meeting. It’s ultimately up to them,” Trump said.
Experts like retired Senior Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. State Department Lawrence Silverman echoed that sentiment.
“The best job that President Trump can do is really pressing Mr. Putin to say that this is the time, now, end it,” Silverman expressed. “And by the way, if you don’t end it, there is the prospect of much harder sanctions,” continued Silverman, who currently serves as the Program Director for the Savannah Council on World Affairs. “As a result of this, are we closer to these heavier, more damaging sanctions against Russia, or are we further away? Did Mr. Trump take them off the table or move them back a bit? Congress is going to want to know that as well, and I think the American people want to know that.”
While it remains uncertain whether the two leaders have reached an agreement on the conflict, Silverman highlighted the president’s need to remain focused.
“The president should not be swayed by Mr. Putin discussing matters other than the main, central issue— the criterion by which I believe the success or failure of the summit should be measured,” Silverman stated.
