Trump and Putin sat down after much difficulty, but... No ceasefire agreement was announced [Lee Sang-eun's Washington Now]

Russian President Vladimir Putin, after holding a U.S.-Russia summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, on the 15th (local time), stated during a press conference, "The negotiations were constructive and beneficial."

However, he did not specify which areas had made progress in the talks, and the press conference ended without any mention of a ceasefire.

President Putin said, "The Ukraine situation is a fundamental threat to Russia's security and a tragedy involving a brother nation for us," adding, "We sincerely want an end to this conflict, and for a long-term and lasting solution, we must address the root causes of the dispute, fully reflect Russia's legitimate concerns, and restore the security balance of Europe and the world, as I have repeatedly stated." The 'root cause of the conflict' and 'Russia's legitimate concerns' are ultimately interpreted as a claim over Ukraine's territorial integrity.

He also said, "As President Trump stated today, Ukraine's security must also be guaranteed, and we are prepared to cooperate towards that end." However, by once again mentioning 'Russia's legitimate concerns' as a prerequisite, it became clear that they do not want a ceasefire under the current situation. President Putin added, "I hope this agreement will open the path to peace" and made a pointed remark: "I expect Kyiv and all European countries to accept this constructively and not to hinder the newly started progress with under-the-table deals or provocations."

President Trump said, "Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed," adding, "Some issues were settled, but major issues remain."

Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, who was not invited to the summit, posted a video on social media X an hour before the talks began, stating, "The war continues, and this shows that there is absolutely no order or signal from Moscow indicating they are ready to end this war," adding, "The fact that they continue the killings even on the day of negotiations says it all." Ukraine stated that the night before, it had struck an oil refinery in Samara, Russia.

Below is the full transcript of President Putin's press conference statement.

Our negotiations were conducted in a constructive and mutually respectful atmosphere. They were very in-depth talks and quite beneficial. Once again, I thank my American counterpart for accepting the invitation to come to Alaska. Although our two countries are separated by the sea, as close neighbors it is only natural that we meet here.

That is why, upon stepping off the plane, I greeted them by saying, "Hello, dear neighbor. I am truly glad to see you in good health." I believe this is what it means to be a neighborly country. There are only two islands between the Russian and American islands, a distance of just 4km. We truly are close neighbors, this is a fact.

In addition, Alaska is deeply connected to the shared heritage and history of Russia and the United States. Important cultural heritage, such as Orthodox churches from the era of Russian America and over 700 place names of Russian origin, remain to this day. During World War II, Alaska was the starting point of the 'legendary air bridge,' the route through which aircraft and supplies were provided under the Lend-Lease program. Though it was a dangerous and difficult route across vast icy plains, aviators from both countries devoted everything to accomplish the mission and hasten victory.

Recently, I visited Magadan, Russia, where there is a monument honoring U.S.-Soviet pilots, and both the American and Russian flags are flown together. I am aware that such a memorial also exists here in Alaska. Just a few kilometers away, there is a military cemetery where Soviet pilots who lost their lives in the mission are buried, and I thank the citizens and U.S. government for carefully maintaining their memory. This is a noble and meaningful act.

I am convinced that these examples from our history—when our two nations overcame a common enemy together, supporting one another in the spirit of brotherhood and alliance—will continue to help build mutually beneficial and equal relations. For the past four years, there have been no Russia-U.S. summits, and relations between the two countries have deteriorated to their lowest point since the Cold War. This benefits neither our countries nor the world. Sooner or later, confrontation must give way to dialogue, and this direct meeting between our leaders was long overdue.

President Trump and I have maintained good direct communication. We have spoken several times, Special Representative Woodcock from President Trump's administration has visited Russia multiple times, and our diplomats have kept in touch. As you are well aware, the Ukraine issue was at the core of the agenda. We highly appreciate that President Trump and his administration are trying to grasp the essence and understand the historical context of the Ukraine conflict in order to resolve it.

The Ukraine situation is a fundamental threat to Russia's security and a tragedy involving a brother nation for us. We sincerely want an end to this conflict, and for a long-term and lasting solution, we must address the root causes, fully reflect Russia's legitimate concerns, and restore the security balance of Europe and the world, as I have repeatedly stated. As President Trump said today, Ukraine's security must also be guaranteed, and we are prepared to cooperate toward that end.

I hope this agreement will serve as an opportunity to open the path to peace. I expect Kyiv and all European countries to accept this constructively and hope they do not obstruct the newly started progress with under-the-table deals or provocations. Interestingly, since the start of the new administration, trade between our two countries has grown by 20%. There are countless areas where our countries can cooperate, such as digital technology, advanced technology, space exploration, and Arctic partnership. In particular, there is significant potential for collaboration between Russia's Far East and America's West Coast. Our two nations must move beyond past confrontation and return to cooperation.

There is an 'International Date Line' near the Russia-U.S. border here. Just one step takes you from yesterday to tomorrow. I hope we can do the same in politics. President Trump’s clear objectives and genuine concern for his country’s prosperity, as well as his understanding of Russia’s national interests, are impressive.

I hope today’s agreement will not only help resolve the Ukraine issue but also restore practical relations between our two countries. To add, the last time I had contact with the previous administration before 2022, I directly warned that we needed to avoid letting the situation reach a ‘point of no return’ that would lead to war. President Trump said, "If I were president at that time, there would have been no war," and I believe that as well.

President Trump and I have built a very constructive and trust-based relationship, and I am convinced that if we continue down this path, we can move one step closer to ending the conflict in Ukraine. Thank you.

Washington = Correspondent Lee Sang-eun selee@hankyung.com