This week, the world turned its eyes north as Anchorage, Alaska - usually more famous for its stunning glaciers and rugged mountain views - became the unlikely epicenter of global diplomacy. The occasion: a face-to-face meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin focused on ending three years of devastating war in Ukraine. And although the result wasn't the breakthrough many hoped for, the drama, ambition, and tension on display offered a telling snapshot of where the Ukraine crisis, and global politics, stand today.

High Stakes on the Frozen Frontiers

The summit, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, began much like the run-up - tense, with anticipation and speculation everywhere. Hotels packed, travel routes restricted, and security at maximum. Even as the American and Russian delegations arrived, sentiment in Anchorage and beyond hovered between hope and skepticism.

Trump and Putin met for about three hours, beginning mid-morning local time. The symbolism was hard to ignore: Putin setting foot on US soil for the first time since his 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and Trump - back in the international spotlight - positioning himself as a dealmaker who might broker peace where others had failed.

Talks, Tension, and Tough Statements

As details emerged, it became clear this was no easy negotiation. Both leaders described their talks as "productive," with Trump rating the meeting a "10 out of 10" for progress, but also repeating, "there's no deal until there's a deal."

Putin struck a familiar tone, insisting Russia remains "sincerely interested in putting an end" to the war - but only if what he called the "root causes" are addressed. That was a clear reference to Russia's demands: control over four Ukrainian regions and Ukraine's withdrawal from NATO ambitions, both of which remain absolute nonstarters for Kyiv.

Trump's message landed somewhere between optimism and frustration. He expressed his desire to "stop thousands from being killed each week," but admitted that "it's really up to Zelensky" and warned that if Russia didn't move on peace, "severe economic consequences" could follow.

What About Ukraine?

No meaningful discussion about Ukraine's future can happen without Ukraine's leadership - and that's where President Volodymyr Zelensky comes in. Just hours after the Trump-Putin meeting, Trump called Zelensky for a lengthy exchange, briefing him on the Alaska talks. European leaders joined the call, highlighting the international stakes of any peace deal.

Zelensky's immediate response was diplomatic but clear: he underscored the need for "just peace," and signaled that any settlement must involve substantial three-way talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. He also cautioned against territorial concessions, which Kyiv sees as both a threat to its security and an invitation for future aggression.

Now, all eyes shift to Monday, when Zelensky will travel to Washington to meet with Trump in person, setting the stage for what may be the most consequential diplomatic days of the year. Rumors also swirl of a possible joint sit-down with Putin - not confirmed, but no longer out of the question.

The Road Ahead

As the dust settles in Alaska, several things are clear:

• No ceasefire or peace deal was reached, but there is movement - if not momentum - toward further negotiation.

• Trump is placing responsibility for progress squarely on Zelensky and, to some extent, Europe.

• Putin is holding to his demands, but ready - at least rhetorically - for a "lasting and long-term settlement."

• The prospect for a trilateral meeting looms, but its outcome will heavily depend on what compromises, if any, are acceptable to all sides.

From my perspective, as someone deeply invested in the future of Ukraine and peace in Europe, this summit showed just how far we still have to go before there's anything resembling a genuine resolution. The fact that leaders are talking face to face - and that Ukraine has a seat at the table - matters. But as long as the fundamental positions remain unchanged, these high-profile meetings are more about setting the global narrative than delivering breakthrough agreements.

Still, hope is stubborn. A new week brings new talks, and with them, a sliver of possibility that - this time - words might lead to something more.

Let me know your thoughts below. Will this round of talks finally set the world on the path to peace, or have we simply watched another chapter in a long, complicated story?