Setting: Private bilateral room at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska
Participants:
- Donald Trump – President of the United States
- Vladimir Putin – President of the Russian Federation
- Advisers and interpreters present, but discussion held directly between the two leaders
🇺🇸 President Trump (U.S. Expectations):
“President Putin, let’s be clear—America wants an end to the war. Our allies want it, and frankly, the American people want to stop writing blank checks to a foreign war. We’re here to discuss what it takes to end the conflict, restore some stability, and lower the global tension.”
“That means respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty, but also acknowledging the reality on the ground. I’m open to negotiations that stop the fighting and protect lives—yours, ours, and especially Ukrainian civilians.”
“If we can get serious commitments, maybe there’s room to discuss sanctions relief, economic cooperation, and even arms control. But only if we see real moves toward peace.”
🇷🇺 President Putin (Russia’s Expectations):
“Mr. President, Russia did not start this war to lose. We want security guarantees, especially regarding NATO’s presence near our borders. That’s non-negotiable.”
“We expect the West to recognize Russian control over Crimea, and consider special status for the eastern regions of Ukraine. A frozen conflict benefits no one—but Russia will not retreat under pressure.”
“We are open to a ceasefire. But that must come with guarantees of neutrality from Ukraine, and Western commitment to stop arming Kyiv. If Washington leads this shift, Europe will follow.”
🔍 Key U.S. Goals:
- Immediate ceasefire in Ukraine
- Preserving Ukraine’s territorial integrity (at least officially)
- Reducing European energy and security instability
- De-escalating global tensions before the 2026 U.S. elections
- Possible prisoner swaps and humanitarian corridors
🔍 Key Russian Goals:
- De facto recognition of control over Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine
- NATO rollback or freeze on eastward expansion
- Lifting or easing Western sanctions
- Western commitment to non-intervention in future Russian “spheres of influence”
- Domestic propaganda win as a “respected equal” on the world stage
⚖️ The Challenge:
While both sides may agree on the need for a ceasefire, their visions for post-war Ukraine remain worlds apart. Trump is likely to seek a “deal” that looks like peace but avoids full Western capitulation. Putin, meanwhile, aims to lock in territorial gains and weaken NATO unity—all while appearing open to diplomacy.
Let me know if you’d like this stylized into a dramatic script, simplified version for students, or a social media breakdown.
