“The starting point of the proposal is the definition of a collective security clause that would allow Ukraine to benefit from the support of all its partners, including the USA, ready to take action in case it is attacked again,” she said.
Putin, who has hitherto opposed foreign involvement in keeping the peace, said he agreed with Trump that Ukraine’s security must be “ensured”.
“I would like to hope that the understanding we have reached will allow us to get closer to that goal and open the way to peace in Ukraine,” Putin told a briefing where neither leader took questions.
“We expect that Kyiv and the European capitals … will not attempt to disrupt the emerging progress through provocation or behind-the-scenes intrigue.”
For
Putin, the very fact of sitting down with Trump represented a victory. The Kremlin leader had been ostracised by Western leaders since the start of the war, and just a week earlier had faced a threat of new sanctions from Trump.
‘1-0 FOR PUTIN’
Trump also spoke to European leaders including Meloni after returning to Washington.
Several stressed the need to keep pressure on Russia.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said an end to the war was closer than ever, thanks to Trump, but added: “… until (Putin) stops his barbaric assault, we will keep tightening the screws on his war machine with even more sanctions.”
A statement from European leaders said “Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees” and that no limits should be placed on its armed forces or right to seek NATO membership – key Russian demands.
Some European politicians and commentators were scathing.
“Putin got his red carpet treatment with Trump, while Trump got nothing. As feared: no ceasefire, no peace,” Wolfgang Ischinger, former German ambassador to Washington, posted on X.
“No real progress – a clear 1-0 for Putin – no new sanctions. For the Ukrainians: nothing. For Europe: deeply disappointing.”
Cold War historian Sergey Radchenko wrote: “Putin is a determined opponent, and, yes, he basically won this round because he got something for nothing.”
‘NEXT TIME IN MOSCOW’
Both Russia and Ukraine carried out overnight air attacks, a daily occurrence in the 3-1/2-year war, while fighting raged on the front line.
Trump told Fox he would now hold off on imposing
tariffs on China for buying Russian oil, but that he might have to “think about it” in two or three weeks.
He ended his remarks after the summit by telling Putin: “We’ll speak to you very soon and probably see you again very soon.”
“Next time in Moscow,” a smiling Putin responded in English. Trump said he might “get a little heat on that one” but that he could “possibly see it happening”.
