Overview
On August 15, 2025, protests erupted in Anchorage, Alaska, ahead of a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Demonstrators, primarily supporting Ukraine, protested the exclusion of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from the talks, which focus on a potential ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war. Protesters marched to the rhythm of Bella Ciao, an Italian anti-fascist song adopted by Ukrainian resistance movements, chanting slogans like “Peace only with Zelensky” to demand Ukraine’s inclusion in negotiations. The protests reflect deep concerns that the summit could lead to a deal favoring Russia at Ukraine’s expense, with Zelensky himself warning that Putin seeks to “occupy us completely” rather than pursue peace.
Protest Details
The protests, organized by groups such as Stand UP Alaska, Mat-Su United for Progress, and Juneau for Democracy, drew hundreds to Anchorage streets. Key elements include:
- Symbolism of Bella Ciao: The song, historically tied to resistance against oppression, has been embraced by Ukrainians since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Protesters used it to symbolize solidarity with Ukraine and opposition to Putin, labeled a “war criminal” by some due to International Criminal Court (ICC) charges for war crimes in Ukraine.
- Core Message: Demonstrators demanded that no peace deal be made without Zelensky’s involvement, arguing that excluding Ukraine risks legitimizing Russia’s territorial gains. Signs read “Alaska opposes tyranny!” and called for Putin’s arrest under ICC warrants.
- Scale and Sentiment: Posts on X describe “hundreds” gathering, with some Alaskans welcoming dialogue due to the state’s proximity to Russia (55 miles across the Bering Strait), while others decried Zelensky’s absence as a “surrender disguised as peace.”
- Context of Alaska: The choice of Anchorage, on former Russian territory sold in 1867, fueled symbolic protests, with some X posts joking about Trump “giving Alaska back” to Putin, though these were not serious claims.
Summit Context
The Trump-Putin summit aims to negotiate a ceasefire in the Ukraine war, with discussions on territorial concessions, NATO expansion, and possibly arms control. Trump announced the meeting via a brief social media post, framing it as a chance to end the conflict, but Zelensky’s absence has sparked fears of a deal that could weaken Ukraine’s position. Russia has accused Ukraine of planning “provocations” to disrupt the summit, while Zelensky has publicly stated, “Putin does not want peace,” highlighting distrust in the talks. European allies and analysts also warn that a bilateral U.S.-Russia deal could undermine NATO and embolden Putin.
Reactions and Perspectives
The protests and summit have polarized stakeholders, with varied reactions reflecting geopolitical divides:
| Stakeholder | Perspective | Key Quotes/Statements |
|---|---|---|
| Protesters/Ukrainian Supporters | Demand Zelensky’s inclusion; view the summit as risking Ukraine’s sovereignty. Use Bella Ciao to frame Putin as an aggressor. | “Peace only with Zelensky” (Protest chant) “Alaska opposes tyranny!” (Stand UP Alaska) |
| Zelensky/Ukraine | Opposes the summit’s format; fears territorial concessions or forced demilitarization. | “Putin does not want peace. He wants to occupy us completely.” (Zelensky) |
| Trump Administration | Frames the summit as a bold move for peace, downplaying protests and emphasizing negotiation leverage. | “We’re going in strong… like chess.” (Trump, on summit strategy) |
| Russia/Putin | Welcomes the talks as a chance for sanctions relief and recognition of gains; dismisses protests as Western interference. | No direct quote on protests, but Russia accuses Ukraine of “provocation” to disrupt. |
| Alaskan Residents | Mixed: Some support dialogue due to proximity to Russia; others join protests, citing Putin’s ICC status. | “Some call for Putin’s arrest… others welcome dialogue.” (Anadolu Agency) |
| X Platform Sentiment | Divided: Pro-Ukraine users amplify Bella Ciao protests; Trump supporters see the summit as pragmatic; some mock with memes about Alaska’s Russian history. | “Anchorage erupts… this isn’t peace.” (Mario Nawfal) “#AlaskaSummit: Voices in Anchorage disapprove Putin’s arrival.” (@nanana365media) |
Critical Analysis
The protests highlight a broader fear that Trump’s unilateral approach could prioritize U.S. interests (e.g., reducing aid to Ukraine) over Ukraine’s sovereignty, potentially legitimizing Russia’s actions. The use of Bella Ciao underscores the emotional weight of Ukraine’s resistance, framing the summit as a moral test. However, the summit’s Alaskan setting and exclusion of Zelensky may be strategic for Trump, signaling a willingness to deal directly with Putin to expedite results, though it risks alienating allies. Russian media likely downplay the protests, while Western sources amplify them to pressure Trump against concessions. The lack of concrete evidence for Russia’s “provocation” claims suggests they may be a tactic to deflect criticism. As of now, no summit outcomes have been reported, but the protests signal significant public and international scrutiny.