President Donald Trump has revealed two distinct and significant conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, one in person in Alaska and a more recent one by phone. These dialogues covered the pressing issue of Ukraine’s security and the future of nuclear arms control.
The first meeting took place on August 15 in Alaska, where the two leaders discussed a potential pathway to reducing their nuclear arsenals once the Ukraine crisis is over. This forward-looking conversation set a unique tone for their ongoing interactions.
More recently, Trump spoke with Putin again by phone. This call was placed after the U.S. President had met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders at the White House on August 18 to discuss the immediate needs for Ukrainian security.
During his report to the press, Trump stated that while security guarantees for Ukraine are still being developed, he expects Europe to take the helm. The United States, he clarified, would be involved in a “backup” capacity to support the European-led initiative.