Trump Hails “Very Successful” Alaska Summit With Putin, Zelensky To Visit Washington
President says leaders agreed to pursue full peace agreement, not temporary ceasefire, to end Ukraine war
ANCHORAGE — President Donald Trump declared his high-stakes summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska a success on Friday, saying the talks produced consensus among world leaders to push for a direct peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
In a statement released after the meeting, Trump called it “a great and very successful day in Alaska,” noting that discussions with Putin were followed by a late-night phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders, including NATO’s Secretary General.
“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,” Trump said.
The president announced that Zelensky will travel to Washington on Monday for talks at the Oval Office. If progress is made, Trump added, another meeting with Putin could follow. “Potentially, millions of people’s lives will be saved,” he said.
European leaders, long supportive of Kyiv, are closely watching the U.S.-led effort. Trump’s emphasis on a lasting settlement — rather than a temporary ceasefire — suggests Washington aims to broker a comprehensive resolution that could bring an end to one of Europe’s bloodiest conflicts in decades.
While many commentators looked towards the meeting with pessimism and derision, Abp. Alexei of Sitka and Alaska led with hope, calling for prayer ahead of the talks, asking Ss. Herman and Olga of Alaska and the Mother of God to soften the hearts of the leaders to bring an end to the suffering.
Abp. Alexei was joined in this effort by the faithful of all Alaska, but also by Abp. Kirill of San Francisco and Western America (ROCOR), with prayers of supplication being led by Archpriest Peter Perekrestov before the relics of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, at the saint's Joy of All Who Sorrow Cathedral, according the Diocesan Instagram account.
In a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Abp. Alexei mentioned the gratitude of the Native Alaskans for the gift of the Orthodox faith which the Russian people bestowed upon them. It seems a day is coming when that gratitude may be repaid with a peace won by the prayers of the American faithful.
For now, attention turns to Washington, where Zelensky’s upcoming visit could prove decisive in shaping the next phase of negotiations.
