Guest article by Prof. James D. Bindenagel, Ambassador ret., in the Tagesspiegel on the results of the Alaska summit Guest article by Prof. Bindenagel, Ambassador ret., in the Tagesspiegel on the results of the Alaska summit

According to Professor Bindenagel, the Alaska summit did not hold any significant surprises: as expected, Putin emerged victorious from the bilateral meeting, while Trump returned home "empty-handed." This is because the Russian president is not interested in ending his war of aggression against Ukraine and continues to adhere to his primary war aim of preventing a sovereign Ukrainian state. From Professor Bindenagel's point of view, the only way to enhance a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine lies in the conclusion of a ceasefire. However, the latter can only occur if the United States implements its announced sanctions against Russia and its allies and continues to strengthen the Ukrainian military, the former Ambassador said. In the article, Professor Bindenagel also addressed his country's responsibility. During Trump's second presidency, the US had “[...] sided with Russia and did not oppose Putin's main territorial demand.” In conclusion, the former US ambassador argued: “If the US wants to be seen as a credible and reliable negotiating partner, it must support the victim of this war, which violates international law, rather than the perpetrator."