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It's been more than three years since theout break of the Russia – Ukraine war, a conflict that has resulted in severe humanitarian, political, and economic consequences for both nations and the broader international community. The war started in 2022 following escalating tensions over Ukraine’s pursuit of closer ties with NATO and the European Union, marked a significant deterioration in the long-strained relationship between Moscow and Kyiv. The roots of this tension can be traced back to 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea, an event that fundamentally altered the security landscape of Eastern Europe and left the border regions in a state of persistent instability. Historically, Russia and Ukraine have shared deep cultural and linguistic connections, yet their political trajectories have increasingly diverged in the post-Soviet era, leading to ongoing conflict and mistrust.

After the war started in 2022, many countries tried to be the mediator to stop the war, although such efforts proved unsuccessful in the face of Russia’s firm diplomatic stance.  On August 15, 2025 US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a meet up in Alaska trying to come up with a ceasefire on theRussia-Ukraine war. Although the goal of the summit has been missed, that's what experts said. Although the relationship between the US and Russia was always cold, the Trump administrationappeared to pursue a different approach toward Moscow compared to its policy toward China. The goal of the summit was clearly defined, however no clarification was provided by the two countries in the press briefing. Every statement was vague and “the meeting was a success” does not convey any elucidation on the Russia - Ukraine ceasefire. 

If we go back, some months ago, Trump was taking interest in the Russo-Ukraine war to stop. Trump also mentioned this particular issue in his 2024 election campaign and promised to end the war on the first day of his office. After that, he warned Russia of potential tariff increasing and imposition of additional sanctions. Phone calls between the leaders took place and warning continued from Trump’s side. Putin did not attend the direct negotiation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy on May 15, 2025 in Istanbul, which was viewed by observers as a sign of limited Russian interest in concluding the war or addressing sanctions. By the course of time Trump gave Putin more and more ultimatums to end the war.On July 14, 2025 he announced the US will impose a 100 percent tariff on Russia if they do not end the war within 50 days. On July 28, 2025 the deadline was cut short and Russia was given 10-12 days to come to a conclusion. Before the last two before the deadline, Trump announced the meeting on August 15, 2025, which raised the eyebrows of the analyst to speculate their next move.  

If they focus on the meeting on August 15, 2025, both Putin and Trump did not face any question by the journalist after the meeting, but only gave their statements. In the press conference Putin stated that, “root causes” of the war needs to be addressed to end the war, and they want recognition of Russian sovereignty over the Ukrainian regions of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson as well as Ukraine agreeing to demilitarization, neutrality, no foreign military involvement and new elections, which states that no decisions were taken regarding the sanctions. After that Trump said “We did not get there (sanctions)". Other than the no announcement of including President Zelensky in further meetings were mentioned. On the other hand, Trump has some interest in stopping the Russia-Ukraine war as he was nominated for Nobel Peace Prize, and negotiating through the came to get him the title. This summit can also be a way for Trump to strengthen bonds with Russia. After 2022 many countries from Europe and others imposed sanctions on Russia and cut ties. However, the summit on August 15, gave Putin the spotlight he wanted, also gave him the upper hand in the decision making position to stop the war. Therefore, John Bolton, a former Trump national security advisor, told The Atlantic that he thought "Trump did not lose, but Putin clearly won. Putin got everything he could have wished for, but he’s not home free yet”, explains a lot. 

As not getting any information from the presidents after the summit, suspicions started about the actual purpose of the meeting. Could the focus have been China In the ongoing rivalry between the established superpower, the United States, and the emerging one, China, Russia’s position may not be decisive but still holds considerable strategic importance. By hosting Putin in Alaska, Trump signaled to Beijing that Washington has the capacity to engage Moscow. This leaves China wondering whether Trump and Putin discussed China and if those talks came at Beijing’s expense. The Alaska meeting may represent the first significant step in reshaping the US-China-Russia dynamic, potentially encouraging Moscow to distance itself somewhat from Beijing and edge closer to Washington. This would not necessarily turn Russia and China into adversaries, nor make Russia and the United States allies. Rather, it could prompt Moscow to assume a more balanced stance between Beijing and Washington. Whatever the agenda is, none of that was clear to the journalist or the global citizens. So, it can be said that, ceasefire of the Russia- Ukraine war was not a goal but a decoy of meeting the presidents and making their bond stronger for future benefits. 

Depanjali Roy is a Chief of Staffat Centre for Governance Studies (CGS)

Disclaimer: Views in this article are author’s own and do not necessarily reflect CGS policy