Trump shifts stance on ceasefire after meeting Putin despite earlier warning of 'severe consequences'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump reversed his stance and said a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war wasn't critical after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Alaska summit on Friday, August 15.

This was a surprise move as he had earlier said that the main goal of the summit was a ceasefire and had added that he would be disappointed if it didn't happen, warning of "severe consequences."

Trump says peace agreement would be best way to end Russia-Ukraine war

Shortly after meeting Vladimir Putin during the Alaska summit on Friday, Donald Trump reversed his stance and said a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war wasn't critical.

He wrote on Truth Social on Saturday, "It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up."

Interestingly, Trump's stance aligns him with the Russian leader and puts him at odds with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is set to meet the POTUS on Monday.

Zelensky's last visit to the White House this February ended up in a heated dispute between the Ukrainian leader and the POTUS.

Trump told Zelensky in February that, "You don't have the cards right now," and that the Ukrainian president would have to make concessions with Russia to prevent the destruction of his country.

Since then, Zelensky and Ukraine have worked hard to rebuild the relationship with Trump, and it seemed to be working.

Moreover, the Ukrainians have praised Trump's peace efforts and also agreed when the commander-in-chief pressed for a deal that would give the US access to valuable Ukrainian minerals.

Similarly, when Trump pushed for a ceasefire months ago, the Ukrainians endorsed his move, but Putin did not. This made Trump openly critical and grew increasingly frustrated, to the point of threatening additional sanctions.

However, things looked completely different on Friday as Putin and Trump seemed to be on excellent terms during the summit.

Though they didn't announce any breakthroughs, the POTUS now seems to be on Putin's side on whether to pursue an immediate ceasefire or a comprehensive peace agreement, as the latter would take longer negotiations.

Internet divided as Trump changes stance on ceasefire in Russia-Ukraine war

People on the internet stayed divided and shared mixed reactions as Donald Trump reversed his stance and said a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war wasn't critical after meeting Vladimir Putin at the Alaska Summit.

An X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, "Thank you for all your hard work that will bring our nations to the lasting peace!" while another added, "Thank you for your work and openness to bridge the gap between the US and Russia. Some of us Americans are for Russia to be allies."

A Trump supporter said, "Excellent news Trump agrees a permanent settlement, rather than cynical European calls for 'ceasefire' simply to rearm Zelensky, is the best route forward," whereas one mentioned, "Lasting peace is the best solution." 

Meanwhile, an individual who wasn't thrilled about Trump's remarks said, "You can have peace in less than 24 hours if you withdraw your troops behind your own border."

One more mentioned, "In other words, Trump can't get it done and has decided to dovetail with Russia. Perfect. At least it's out in the open now," while another bluntly wrote, What a total and very bizarre humiliation for America."

"Sure. Make a trilateral meeting - Putin-Zelensky-Trump. Or you don’t want peace?" read another tweet. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.