Portnikov on Alaska summit: Peace deal unlikely, it’s a test for Putin

The upcoming Alaska summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin is unlikely to result in a genuine peace agreement on Ukraine and will mainly serve as a test of Russia’s intentions.

This view was expressed by prominent Ukrainian journalist, political analyst, and commentator Vitaly Portnikov.

“Perhaps the United States will try to persuade Putin to agree to a ceasefire, but so far, there is no sign that the Russian leader will accept this approach — except maybe a short-term truce, which could be a kind of gift from Putin to Trump and might end up leading to an even bloodier and more serious war,” Portnikov said.

The question, he said, is when Russia plans to implement its ambitions, whether during Trump’s presidency or rather when he leaves the Oval Office.

At the same time, it remains unclear whether Putin is willing to wait that long to pursue his goal of restoring the Russian Empire’s borders as they were in 1991.

“If the Alaska summit ends without any real decisions that genuinely lead to ending the war, it will demonstrate that Trump has no real influence over the Russian president,” Portnikov said.

The journalist also believes the talks could be used by Trump for other purposes, including business interests, while a resolution to the war remains uncertain and unlikely in the near future.

Previously, the Ukrainian World Congress has welcomed President Trump’s efforts to establish peace in Ukraine but stresses that peace cannot come at the cost of the country’s sovereignty. The UWC calls for support of Ukraine’s right to determine its own future, defend itself, restore the international order, condemn Russian aggression, and hold Russia accountable for its crimes.