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President Donald Trump dismissed criticism of his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, calling it “fake news” on Sunday night via Truth Social. He said the war in Ukraine could end quickly but that critics were making it harder to achieve a ceasefire.
Trump also ruled out any return of Crimea or NATO membership for Ukraine. Critics accused Trump of providing Putin red-carpet treatment during the Alaska meeting, which ended without an agreement on peace. U.S. officials highlighted possible concessions made by Russia, though details remained unclear.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to travel to Washington D.C. on Monday to discuss a potential settlement with Trump. The meeting will also involve several European leaders.
In response to criticism, Trump stated that Putin would have preferred the summit elsewhere and that “Fake News” was misrepresenting the event as a defeat. He dismissed Senator Chris Murphy’s assessment of the meeting as a “disaster,” arguing that it was hard for Putin to come to America and that ending the war is possible now.
Trump also ruled out Ukraine regaining Crimea or joining NATO, stating, “No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!”
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff reported that Russia agreed to a “game-changing” concession allowing the U.S. to establish security guarantees similar to NATO’s Article 5 protections.
Trump expressed optimism for Monday’s talks, saying: “Big day at the White House tomorrow. Never had so many European Leaders at one time. My great honor to host them!!!”
Critics argued that Putin was invited to the United States as a war criminal, which is unusual.
Zelensky and several European leaders are scheduled to meet Trump in Washington on Monday.
