According to Kellogg, Trump leveraged all diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, during the summit in Alaska, American General Kellogg believes that Putin anticipated that the U.S. president would pressure Zelensky to concede parts of the Donetsk region to Russia.
“He did not personally pressure President Zelensky to voluntarily give up the Donbas or the Donetsk region. It seemed apparent during the summit in Alaska. I think Putin hoped that Trump would push Zelensky to cede parts of the Donetsk region. This did not happen because Trump essentially echoed my thoughts: ‘If you want that land, fight for it,'” Kellogg stated.
Context
- The meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska took place on August 15, 2025. Following their discussions, Trump called Zelensky and invited him to the United States.
- Since then, Russia has insisted on what is referred to as the Anchorage formula – the transfer of the entire Donetsk region to Moscow along with other demands. However, in June 2026, Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov stated that Moscow no longer relies on the agreements reached in Anchorage, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that no agreements were made in Alaska, only proposals.
