Trump Putin Alaska summit 2025 focuses on Ukraine ceasefire, negotiations, and potential three-way talks with Zelenskiy. (Image Source: Reuters)
U.S. President Donald Trump headed to Alaska on Friday for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He aimed to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine, the deadliest war in Europe since World War Two. Trump emphasized that he wanted to see the killing stop "today" and intended to bring Ukraine to the negotiating table. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was not invited to the summit, sparking fears among European allies that the U.S. could effectively freeze the conflict and recognize Russian control over parts of Ukraine.
As he boarded Air Force One, Trump reassured critics and he stated, "I'm not here to negotiate for Ukraine, I'm here to get them at a table." He stressed that Ukraine would decide on any territorial swaps. Trump said he would consider the talks a success if a ceasefire was achieved rapidly. He expressed urgency, noting he would not be happy if it did not happen immediately.
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Trump and Putin were scheduled to meet at a Cold War-era air force base in Alaska at 11 a.m. local time. This marked their first face-to-face meeting since Trump returned to the White House. Kremlin special envoy Kirill Dmitriev described the pre-summit mood as “combative” and noted that discussions would cover the full spectrum of bilateral relations. The Kremlin indicated that talks could last six to seven hours, with aides joining what was initially expected to be one-to-one meetings. Trump expressed confidence in his relationship with Putin, calling him a “smart guy” and highlighting mutual respect. He also welcomed Putin bringing businesspeople, though he warned they “aren’t doing business until we get the war settled.”
Trump suggested that a follow-up three-way summit including Zelenskiy would be more important if the Alaska talks went well. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a three-way summit could happen. Zelenskiy called for a "just peace" and urged that Russia take necessary steps to end the war. He also warned that the conflict continued, noting a Russian missile strike in Dnipropetrovsk that killed one person and wounded another.
Sources indicated that Moscow might consider freezing the conflict along front lines. Putin seeks a pledge against NATO expansion eastwards and partial lifting of Western sanctions while Trump threatened "economically severe" consequences if talks failed. A Russian source noted that Putin understands Russia’s economic vulnerability and costs of continuing the war. Putin also suggested a new nuclear arms control accord could be discussed, replacing the current treaty set to expire next February. Some signs suggest that both sides may have found common ground.
In Kyiv, many people were doubtful about the summit. They think giving up any territory to Russia is not acceptable. Experts said Trump wants a truce to show himself as a global peacemaker, which could help him get a Nobel Peace Prize. For Putin, the meeting is already a win because it shows that Russia can resist Western pressure and stay important in world diplomacy.
Read More: Trump in Alaska for High-Stakes Summit, Says ‘Won’t Negotiate for Ukraine’
The Alaska talks, therefore, carry high stakes. They could determine the future of Ukraine, reshape U.S.-Russia relations, and test global diplomacy under intense scrutiny.
