Russian President Vladimir Putin projected cautious optimism on Friday following his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, the first Russian-American summit in more than four years. In remarks translated by Reuters, Putin framed the encounter as a long-overdue step toward easing tensions that he described as the lowest since the Cold War.
“Obviously, sooner or later, it was necessary to correct the situation, to move from confrontation to dialogue,” Putin said, calling the personal talks with Trump “overdue” and essential for global stability.
A central focus of the summit was Ukraine. Putin acknowledged Washington’s efforts to engage constructively in seeking a resolution to the conflict, emphasizing Trump’s personal interest in understanding the roots of the crisis. While reaffirming Russia’s longstanding view that developments in Ukraine pose “fundamental threats” to Russian national security, Putin also struck a conciliatory note.
He described Ukrainians as “brotherly people,” lamenting the war as both “a tragedy and a great pain” for Russia. Yet he underscored Moscow’s condition for a lasting settlement: addressing the “root causes” of the conflict and ensuring that Russia’s “legitimate concerns” are factored into any peace arrangement. “Ukraine’s security must, without a doubt, be ensured,” Putin agreed, but insisted that equilibrium in European and global security frameworks must be restored.
Beyond geopolitics, the Russian leader highlighted economic opportunities between the two countries, pointing to potential cooperation in trade, energy, high technology, space exploration, and even Arctic development. Putin said he hopes agreements reached in Alaska will serve as a “reference point” not just for resolving Ukraine but also for restoring pragmatic economic ties.
Putin concluded on a personal note regarding Trump, stating they had built a “very good business-like and trusting contact.” He expressed confidence that this rapport could accelerate efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine and normalize U.S.-Russia relations.
The summit marks a tentative thaw after years of deep mistrust, though whether the understandings reached in Alaska can withstand geopolitical pressures remains to be seen.
