Putin Endorses Trump's Claim: Ukraine War Would Not Have Occurred Under His Presidency

Moscow, Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin, upon his return to Moscow following a summit with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, made a striking statement asserting that the conflict in Ukraine would not have escalated had Trump been in the White House in 2022. This declaration, made on August 17, 2025, echoed a long-standing claim by the former American leader.

"Today, when President Trump is saying that if he was the president back then, there would be no war, and I'm quite sure that it would indeed be so. I can confirm that," Putin stated, referring to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022. The comment underscored the unique rapport between the two leaders, which has frequently drawn international scrutiny.

The two leaders met in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025, for a high-stakes summit aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite Trump's initial public insistence on securing an immediate ceasefire, the summit concluded without such an agreement. Instead, Trump appeared to align with Putin's approach, advocating for a comprehensive peace deal that would involve Ukraine ceding territory.

During the post-summit remarks, Putin repeatedly emphasized the need to address the "root causes" of the conflict, a phrase he has consistently used to refer to Russia's grievances regarding NATO expansion and the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe. He also highlighted the "business-like and trusting contact" he shared with Trump, suggesting that their personal relationship could pave the way for a resolution.

The shift in Trump's position from demanding a ceasefire to supporting a broader peace agreement, potentially involving territorial concessions, drew concern from European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. While some European officials welcomed Trump's engagement, they cautiously reiterated the importance of upholding international law and Ukraine's territorial integrity. Zelensky is reportedly scheduled to meet with Trump in Washington to discuss the summit's outcomes and their implications for Ukraine's future.