During a recent summit in Alaska, many Ukrainians held their breath, hoping for progress in the ongoing war with Russia. Some feared that a deal might come at the cost of losing Ukrainian territory, while others were simply anxious about what might unfold.
However, the outcome was largely disappointing. “There were no concrete results for Ukraine,” said Oleksandr Kraiev of the Ukrainian Prism think tank. He noted that the event felt like a successful public relations move for Russia, allowing Vladimir Putin to gain recognition on an international stage without any significant agreements.
Instead of fostering peace, the summit seemed to reinforce Russia’s position. Ivan Us from Ukraine’s Center for Foreign Policy pointed out that Putin’s main goal was to diminish his international isolation, not bring about an end to the conflict. For him, the photo opportunity with Trump was a victory — a sign that things were back to normal.
Dmitry Medvedev, a key figure in Russia’s government, later announced that the summit restored a “full-fledged mechanism for meetings” between the two nations. He emphasized that both sides hold responsibility for future negotiations, implicitly placing pressure on Ukraine.
As the dust settled, questions about a potential trilateral dialogue emerged. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned receiving an invitation for talks involving the U.S. and Russia. He expressed Ukraine’s readiness to engage in meaningful discussions to achieve peace.
However, the summit sowed further uncertainty. Some, including Ukrainian MP Iryna Herashchenko, grew concerned that Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington might lead to new American pressures to make concessions. Trump hinted at a possible “exchange of territories for security on numerous occasions,” heightening fears among Ukrainians.
Political analyst Vadym Denisenko provided a mixed assessment. While he believed the summit might have set the stage for future talks, he felt that Russia’s efforts to negotiate favorable terms were losing traction. He warned that if no solutions materialize soon, the issue may become entangled in broader negotiations between China and the U.S.
Public sentiment also reflected distress. Many Ukrainians were outraged by the lavish reception Putin received, seeing it as a betrayal to the memories of those who suffered in the war. Mustafa Nayyem, a former parliament member, articulated the anger felt by many, questioning how history would view such moments of honoring those guilty of atrocities.
As the world grapples with changing political dynamics, hope for a peaceful resolution remains fragile, leaving many to wonder about the future of Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions.
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