The recent summit in Anchorage between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump has set the stage for a potential new chapter in negotiations over the war in Ukraine. While the three-hour talks ended without a formal agreement, both leaders described the discussions as “productive” and left open the door for further dialogue. The meeting concluded with a symbolic gesture from Putin, who publicly invited Trump to Moscow for the next round of talks.

Putin’s invitation was unexpected but underscored his desire to continue dialogue with Washington through Trump, despite Trump not currently holding office. For Trump, the meeting provided an opportunity to present himself as a dealmaker once again, a role that has long been central to his political identity. His cautious response signaled openness to the Moscow talks while acknowledging potential criticism at home.

International reaction was swift. European leaders, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, welcomed the discussions as a possible step toward reducing tensions, even without immediate breakthroughs. The optimism highlighted a broader European interest in keeping diplomatic channels open amid a war that has strained economies and tested alliances.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, offered a more pointed response. He stressed the need for Ukraine to be directly involved in any meaningful negotiations, calling for a U.S.-Russia-Ukraine trilateral summit. His insistence reflected concerns in Kyiv that bilateral talks could sideline Ukraine’s interests at a critical stage of the conflict.

Zelensky also announced plans to travel to Washington, where he is expected to meet with U.S. officials to reinforce Ukraine’s position and secure continued support. His visit aims to ensure that Kyiv remains central to the conversation as the prospect of new negotiations emerges. The move highlighted the delicate balance between optimism for peace and the practical need to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty.

The Anchorage summit may not have produced a ceasefire, but it revived momentum for dialogue. With Putin extending an invitation to Moscow and Trump signaling interest, the diplomatic landscape surrounding the war has entered a new phase. Whether these talks can evolve into a framework for lasting peace remains uncertain, but the groundwork for continued negotiations has clearly been laid.