MOSCOW – The Kremlin is celebrating what it calls a "fundamental turning point" in relations with Washington following a high-stakes summit in Anchorage, Alaska, where President Donald Trump appeared to endorse key elements of Russia's framework for ending the war in Ukraine. The apparent policy shift has been met with triumph in Moscow and deep consternation across European capitals.

In statements broadcast heavily on state-controlled television since the summit concluded on Saturday, Russian officials have framed the meeting as a resounding diplomatic victory for President Vladimir Putin. They contend the United States is now pivoting away from its long-standing alliance with Europe and adopting a more "pragmatic" approach that acknowledges Russia's security interests.

"The era of Western dictate is over," declared a commentator on the state channel Rossiya 1. "President Trump understands that a swift conclusion to the conflict is paramount, and this cannot be achieved without considering the reality on the ground."

The summit, held at a neutral site in Anchorage, was intended to de-escalate tensions and establish a direct line of communication. However, the outcome has sent shockwaves through the transatlantic alliance, which for years has maintained a united front in supporting Ukraine's sovereignty.

A Shift in Washington's Stance

Details emerging from the talks suggest that President Trump expressed openness to a peace deal that would prioritize an immediate ceasefire over the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from all Ukrainian territories. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the proposal discussed would potentially freeze the current lines of contact and initiate a political process that could see some Russian-occupied territories hold referendums on their future status—a long-held demand of Moscow that has been staunchly rejected by Kyiv and its allies.

Speaking to reporters after the summit, President Trump emphasized his goal of "stopping the killing" and criticized the financial burden of continued aid to Ukraine. "We've spent a fortune, and it has to end," he said. "We're talking to both sides to get a deal done, a strong deal. President Putin is ready to make a deal."

The White House has since sought to manage the fallout, with National Security Advisor J.D. Vance stating that the U.S. "remains committed to a sovereign Ukraine" but believes "new thinking is required to break the stalemate." He did not, however, deny that the administration was considering a framework that diverges significantly from the established position of NATO allies.

Alarm Bells in Kyiv and Brussels

The reaction from European leaders has been swift and sharp. A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry released a statement re-affirming that "any lasting peace must be based on international law and respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity."

In Kyiv, the news was received with dismay. A senior official in the Ukrainian presidential office, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that any plan that legitimizes the results of Russian aggression would be "a catastrophic betrayal" of the principles of international order. "We will not trade our land or our people for an illusory peace dictated by the aggressor," the official stated.

Analysts suggest the summit's outcome could embolden the Kremlin and create a significant rift within NATO. "This is precisely the scenario Putin has been working towards for years: to decouple the United States from its European security commitments," said Dr. Evelyn Farkas, a former Pentagon official and senior fellow at the McCain Institute. "By signaling a willingness to accept a Russian-led peace, the administration is not just jeopardizing Ukraine; it's questioning the very foundation of the post-war European security architecture."

The coming days will be critical as U.S. diplomats attempt to reassure anxious allies and Ukrainian officials rally for continued international support. Meanwhile, Moscow continues to project an image of victory, confident that the geopolitical tide has finally turned in its favor.