Experts: U.S.-Russia Alaska talks symbolic, Ukraine crisis remains uncertain

A highly anticipated summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday ended without any agreement to resolve or pause the Ukraine crisis. Experts say the meeting was more symbolic than substantive, highlighting the ongoing complexity and uncertainty surrounding the conflict.

At a joint press conference in Alaska, Trump described the talks as productive. "There were many, many points that we agreed on," Trump said, adding, "I would say a couple of big ones that we haven't quite got there, but we've made some headway. So there's no deal until there's a deal."

Putin described the discussions as conducted in a "constructive atmosphere of mutual respect" and called the personal meeting "long overdue." While he acknowledged that Ukraine's security must be guaranteed, he emphasized that the "root causes" of the conflict must also be addressed. He urged Europe to avoid "throwing a wrench in the works" or sabotaging progress through backroom dealings.

"The Alaska summit served more as a platform for external messaging and internal consensus-building for both Russia and the U.S., with symbolic weight outweighing practical outcomes," said Cui Zheng, director of the Research Center for Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asian Countries at Liaoning University.

Cui told CGTN that Putin's insistence on addressing the "root causes" underscores that Russia's strategic objectives for its special military operation remain unchanged. "For now, the core issues at the heart of the Ukraine crisis show no prospect of resolution, as Russia's demands remain fundamentally irreconcilable with the bottom lines of Ukraine and the West," he said.

Complexity of resolving the Ukraine crisis

The expert noted that compared with Trump, Putin has a clearer understanding of the complexities of the conflict. "There are no simple solutions to complicated problems. Trump seeks to maximize his personal political gains, while for Russia – the direct party to the conflict – the goals of the special military operation have remained unchanged for more than three years, and the path toward peace is still a long one."

He added, "Both Russia and Ukraine, as well as Europe, have paid a heavy price in this conflict. Unless Europe changes its stance and either Russia or Ukraine makes major concessions, the fighting will not end."

Following the summit, Trump suggested in a Fox News interview that a meeting could be arranged between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which he might also attend. Details on organizers or timing were not provided.

Cui cautioned, however, that conditions for a direct Putin-Zelenskyy meeting remain far from ready. Trump's repeated idea of a "territorial exchange" would require Ukraine to cede land – unacceptable to Kyiv and Europe. Europe has also reacted with anger and a sense of betrayal over the U.S.–Russia talks in Alaska, while Ukraine's hope for an immediate ceasefire has been dashed. Additionally, Moscow continues to question the legitimacy of Zelenskyy's presidency.

"The summit did little to ease the complexity of the Ukraine crisis," said Su Xiaohui, deputy director of the Department for American Studies at the China Institute of International Studies. "The resolution of the conflict, the trajectory of U.S.–Russia relations, and the rebuilding of Europe's security order all remain highly uncertain, with future developments likely to bring more volatility."

Breaking the U.S.-Russia diplomatic deadlock

Despite no breakthrough on Ukraine, the Alaska summit holds significance for bilateral relations.

Su said it offered each side a chance to break a diplomatic deadlock. Previously, the U.S. repeatedly threatened Russia with sanctions and shortened ultimatum deadlines, raising the question of how to de-escalate tensions. The summit allowed Washington to announce a "dignified exit," keeping relations from derailing, while Russia gained an opportunity to challenge the Western camp's pressure.

"Strategic stability is vital for both powers and represents a shared necessity, so both sides will continue actions to maintain balance," Su said.

Putin also expressed hope that the meeting would serve as a starting point not only for the Ukraine issue but also for restoring "business-like" and "pragmatic" relations with the U.S. He highlighted potential cooperation in trade, digital technology, high-tech industries, space exploration and Arctic affairs.

Since Trump resumed the presidency, U.S.-Russia ties have noticeably improved. In 2025 alone, the two leaders have held five phone calls, and officials have met multiple times. Cui said Putin's presence on U.S. soil for the first time in a decade represented a symbolic victory, challenging the Western narrative over Russia's isolation.

Cui added that Trump also signaled to U.S. allies and partners that no country could influence his independent decision-making, projecting the image of a strong-willed political leader. Yet Cui warned that structural contradictions between Russia and the U.S. remain, temporarily papered over only by the impact of the Ukraine crisis.