US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin will meet on Friday at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska in a closely watched summit that could shape the future of the war in Ukraine.
Putin will be stepping onto Western soil for the first time since launching the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 — a conflict that has killed tens of thousands. Trump invited Putin at the Russian leader’s request but warned the meeting could end “within minutes” if Putin refuses to compromise.
European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky — who was not invited — are anxiously monitoring the talks. Trump said any final peace agreement would involve a separate three-way meeting with Zelensky, where territory could be “divvyed up”.
Before returning to the White House, Trump had repeatedly boasted of his rapport with Putin and promised to end the war within 24 hours. But despite stern warnings to Putin and a February dressing-down of Zelensky at the White House, the Kremlin has shown no sign of backing down.
The Alaska talks will start at 11:30am and begin with a one-on-one session with interpreters, followed by a working lunch with aides. No public events are scheduled in Anchorage, where pro-Ukraine demonstrators have already gathered.
Putin, wanted by the International Criminal Court, has sharply limited his travel since the war began. The US, which is not party to the ICC, temporarily eased some sanctions to allow the Russian delegation to enter Alaska.
The summit represents a drastic departure from the Biden administration’s stance that Russia cannot negotiate Ukraine’s future without Ukraine at the table. Zelensky has described the meeting as a “personal victory” for Putin that ends his isolation.
Trump has promised “very severe consequences” if Putin refuses a ceasefire but gave the summit “a one in four chance” of failure. Analysts warn Putin could use the meetings to stall while seeking concessions.
