Trump Skeptical of Putin, May Dismiss Alaska Summit Demands

According to Axios, citing two G7 officials, Trump indicated he might backtrack on the "Alaska understandings." One person familiar with the discussions previously told the Kyiv Independent that these understandings involved Moscow's request for Washington to pressure Ukraine into fully withdrawing from Donbas, a demand considered a non-starter by Kyiv as it would require ceding controlled territory.

However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on June 25 that no final agreement was reached in Alaska, characterizing it as merely a proposal. Rubio noted that if an agreement had been in place, the war would have concluded.

On the same day, Trump also commented positively on President Volodymyr Zelensky's performance in the war, acknowledging Ukraine's recent large-scale drone attacks against Moscow and stating that Ukraine was "winning now." These remarks followed reports that Trump had privately encouraged Zelensky to adopt a more assertive stance toward Russia.

Despite Russian officials denying certain claims, they have criticized Washington for not fulfilling alleged promises made in Alaska, reflecting Moscow's growing concern over the U.S. position. Sources cautioned Axios that Trump's skepticism towards Putin and his acknowledgment of Zelensky's recent successes might not lead to concrete actions, with one official noting that other leaders doubt Trump will take significant steps regarding Russia.