US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin speak at the US military base in Anchorage, Alaska where they held their August 15 summit meeting. (©AP via Kyodo)
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United States President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska on August 15, but failed to lay out a path to a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
At a joint press conference following the meeting, Putin maintained his hardline stance. A ceasefire, he said, requires that "We didn't get there."
It will soon be three and a half years since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. Reaching a ceasefire agreement in a single meeting was too much to be expected, especially without participation by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Even so, it is unfortunate that prospects for a stop to the fighting appear as distant as ever.
No Win Through Appeasement
What is concerning is that Trump's appeasement stance in regards to Putin has become conspicuous.
In Ukraine, Russian forces continue indiscriminate attacks on civilians. However, at the joint news conference, Trump voiced no criticism of the Russian invasion.
To the contrary, both leaders repeatedly described the meeting as "useful" and "productive." Despite that, they did not mention any specific points of agreement. Moreover, they sought to emphasize their close personal ties, which leaves those looking on with a strong sense of discomfort.
Talking Deals They Have No Right to Make
It is also outrageous that the two men discussed joint development of the Arctic and bilateral business cooperation.
In an interview with Fox News that same day after the meeting, Trump revealed that he and Putin had discussed a "territorial swap" between Russia and Ukraine. "It's up to President Zelenskyy to get it done," he said, urging him to "make a deal."
Establishing a ceasefire line is one thing. But Ukraine should not be asked to make concessions on territorial issues, which are fundamental to national sovereignty.
Trump Backs Down
Trump also stated that he would not immediately consider raising punitive tariffs (secondary tariffs) on countries such as China and India that continue to purchase Russian crude oil. However, he added that he might have to think about that in two or three weeks.
Trump has clearly backed down. After all, he previously threatened to impose secondary tariffs if Russia did not agree to a ceasefire agreement. Putin must be laughing out loud now that he has succeeded in buying time to continue his invasion.
Speaking in English, Putin also proposed that the two leaders next meet in Moscow. That would rule out participation by President Zelenskyy.
President Trump should not accept such a duplicitous invitation. Instead of trying to charm him, Trump should be increasing pressure on the invader.
RELATED:
- US-Russia Summit: Appease the Invader, Trigger a New War
- Kiichiro Higuchi: The General Who Defied History and Shaped Japan
- No True Ceasefire Until Ukraine is Safe from Russian Invasion
Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbu
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