On August 15, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska, for long-anticipated talks about the possibility of ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The meeting, held in a highly secure setting, stretched for more than three hours before the two leaders appeared together for a brief 12-minute press conference. While no formal ceasefire was reached, both sides suggested that progress had been made, keeping hopes alive for future negotiations.

Trump characterized the discussions as “extremely productive,” emphasizing that many points of contention had been resolved. However, he acknowledged that a few key issues remained unsettled, including what he described as “one very significant” obstacle. Although he did not elaborate, his remarks hinted at the complexity of bridging the gap between Moscow’s demands and Kyiv’s security concerns.

The most surprising moment came at the conclusion of the press conference, when Putin, switching from Russian to English, told Trump, “Next time in Moscow.” The unexpected invitation appeared to catch Trump off guard. Smiling but cautious, the former president called it “an interesting one” and admitted he would likely face criticism for accepting. Nevertheless, he left open the possibility of visiting Russia, a trip no U.S. president has made since Barack Obama attended the G20 Summit in St. Petersburg in 2013.

In the days leading up to the meeting, Trump acknowledged skepticism about his ability to secure a peace deal. He placed blame on President Joe Biden for what he called the prolongation of the war but insisted he was committed to ending the conflict. Drawing on his past record, Trump said he would be “proud” to achieve peace, just as he claimed to have wound down other foreign entanglements during his presidency.

At the same time, Trump struck a tougher tone, warning that if Putin showed no willingness to compromise, then “the consequences will be significant.” The remark suggested that Trump sought to balance a conciliatory approach with a firm stance on U.S. leverage.

While the Anchorage summit ended without a breakthrough, it underscored the high stakes of U.S.-Russia diplomacy. With Putin extending an invitation and Trump signaling interest, the possibility of renewed talks in Moscow looms as the next chapter in a conflict that continues to reshape global politics.