Putin says ‘understandings’ reached with Trump over Ukraine in Alaska summit, to share details during talks with SCO leaders

“In this regard, we highly appreciate the efforts and proposals from China and India aimed at facilitating the resolution of the Ukrainian crisis. I would also note that the understandings reached at the recent Russia–U.S. meeting in Alaska, I hope, also contribute toward this goal,” Putin said, speaking at Day 2 of the summit in China’s Tianjin.

Earlier in August, Trump and Putin met in Alaska in a bid to advance efforts toward ending the war in Ukraine.

On this, Putin stated that he had discussed the outcome of the Trump meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other world leaders, and would inform them about the details during the bilateral meetings to be held on the sidelines of the summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin are expected to hold bilateral talks later in the day, which assumes significance given US President Trump’s tariff ‘penalty’ heat on New Delhi over its oil trade with Moscow.

Reiterating Moscow’s position, Putin accused Ukraine’s Western allies of causing the “crisis”. “Attempts by the West to drag Ukraine into NATO are one of the causes; it did not arise as a result of ‘invasion,’ but as a result of a coup d’état in Kyiv, supported by Ukraine’s Western allies,” he said.

He also asserted that Russia adheres to the principle that no country can ensure its security at the expense of another. The root causes of the crisis in Ukraine must be addressed, and a security balance to be established. “UN principles, including respect for the sovereignty of states, are still valid and unshakable today,” he added further.

Meanwhile, following the Alaska talks, Trump described the discussions as “extremely productive,” while acknowledging that “we’re not there yet” on reaching a final deal. While Putin echoed his sentiment, saying the meeting took place in a “constructive atmosphere of mutual respect.” Both leaders have made progress on unspecified issues after holding nearly three-hour talks.

— With inputs from Reuters