US senator: Putin’s Alaska visit sparks after Trump’s tough moves on Russia

The planned visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Alaska on 15 August has been attributed to decisive actions taken by US President Donald Trump.

According to Senator Lindsey Graham, these include arms sales to Europe intended to support Ukraine, as well as the introduction of new tariffs targeting India, Caliber.Az reports per US media.

Graham contends that Putin’s visit is primarily a reaction to Trump’s announcement of arms shipments to European countries supporting Ukraine, a move that has unsettled the Russian president.

Additionally, Trump’s administration has imposed increased tariffs on India, one of the largest buyers of Russian oil, further pressuring Moscow.

Graham emphasised that these measures against Russia’s key economic partners are the driving factors behind Putin’s decision to travel to Alaska, suggesting a dynamic where peace is enforced through strength.

On August 10, Graham stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin “can’t tolerate” Washington targeting countries buying Russian oil, ahead of Putin’s meeting with President Donald Trump in Alaska on August 15.

Graham highlighted the U.S. strategy to pressure nations like India, China, and Brazil economically to weaken Russia’s war effort. Trump recently imposed increased tariffs on India for its Russian oil purchases.

Graham said, “Putin could give a damn about sanctions. He evades them. He could give a damn about how many Russians die. The one thing that he can’t tolerate and live with, if we go after his customers.”

The United States and Russia have arranged a summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, scheduled for Friday, August 15, aimed at exploring ways to end the conflict in Ukraine.

Trump revealed the meeting a week in advance, coinciding with his deadline for Russia to accept a ceasefire in Ukraine or face additional US sanctions.

Despite three rounds of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine this summer, initiated under Trump’s direction, the talks have so far failed to make significant progress towards a peace agreement.

By Aghakazim Guliyev