Donald Trump returned to Washington after meeting Vladimir Putin in Alaska, marking their first in-person discussion since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Trump and Putin Meeting
During the over three-hour meeting, Trump emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. However, upon his return, he did not announce new sanctions against Russia nor provide clear outcomes of the discussions.
Criticism Following the Summit
Reactions to the meeting were swift. Lawmakers in the US, including Senator Lindsey Graham and Democrat Jack Reed, sharply criticized Trump for the lack of concrete actions against Russia. Graham expressed hope for a ceasefire, while Reed noted that the meeting's optics were poorly managed.
Russia and Cryptocurrency
While Trump met with Putin, reports surfaced that Russia is actively utilizing cryptocurrency to circumvent sanctions. A study by Chainalysis revealed that the ruble-backed cryptocurrency A7A5 has become an essential tool for Russian companies under restrictions, indicating Russia's push for a new financial ecosystem.
Trump's meeting with Putin amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict received bipartisan criticism in the US, while Russia continues to employ innovative methods to evade international sanctions.
