As expected, the Alaska summit ended without any dramatic announcements or a cease-fire on the Ukrainian battlefields. However, the two participating leaders returned home satisfied: Russian President Vladimir Putin felt no pressure to agree to an immediate cease-fire as Kyiv demands, and U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened Putin with an ultimatum and raged at him just a few weeks ago, enjoyed the international spotlight and the dialogue with a man of his own heart.

The Russian leader senses a chance for more international recognition, while his American counterpart hopes to play peacemaker.

Trump said there was a 25 per cent chance that the talks would fail, but added he could stay in Alaska for longer depending on what happens.