Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are set for a high-stakes summit in Alaska on Friday to discuss bringing the war in Ukraine to an end.
The summit, which does not include Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, will be held at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson and marks the first standalone meeting between the two leaders since 2018.
Beginning at 11:30 Alaska time (19:30 BST), it will be Putin’s first visit to the United States since 2015. A press conference is also expected once the meeting ends.
It comes amid escalating military activity in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk region, where Russian forces have launched a rapid offensive.
Zelensky has firmly rejected any agreement that involves giving up more territory, citing constitutional and security concerns.
Meanwhile, European leaders have stressed the need to protect Ukraine’s territorial integrity ahead of the summit. On Thursday, Zelensky met UK prime minister Keir Starmer in London, affirming his support for Ukraine.
President Trump has indicated that any potential peace deal may involve territorial adjustments, suggesting ‘some swapping’ of territories.
However, Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns that such proposals could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. The summit is seen as a critical moment in the ongoing conflict, with the potential to either pave the way for a ceasefire or deepen divisions.
Where and why is the summit happening?
Alaska, the location for the summit, was once a Russian territory before it was sold in 1867 for $7.2million.
The proximity of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, located in Anchorage, to Russia made it a critical point for monitoring and intercepting Soviet aircraft and missiles during the Cold War era.
The location and its logistical neutrality make it a practical escape from International Criminal Court complications, as there is an ICC arrest warrant against Putin.
The summit will begin at 11:30am Alaska time (19:30 BST) and marks the first time a meeting between the US and Russia will be held on American soil since 1988.
The White House is already billing the gathering, aimed to end the war, as a ‘listening exercise,’ suggesting Trump intends to hear Putin’s peace terms firsthand. It has also been translated as the White House’s way of watering down expectations.
The war in Ukraine started in February 2022 when Russia sent its army into Ukraine.
This did not happen overnight – for many years, Russia has felt that Ukraine should be a part of it because the two countries used to be in the Soviet Union.
In 2014, Ukrainians protested and removed their president, who was friendly to Russia. In response, Russia took control of Crimea, part of Ukraine – a decision that led to widespread condemnation.
Russia has also expressed concern about NATO’s expansion into Eastern Europe. The organisation, however, has repeatedly said it wants no confrontation with Russia.
‘NATO does not seek confrontation and poses no threat to Russia’, it has said. ‘The Alliance will continue to respond to Russian threats and actions in a united and responsible way.’
Although the Ukraine war will be the main focus on Friday, the two leaders will also discuss other matters such as trade and economic cooperation, according to Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov.
They will also have a meeting, which will involve representatives of both countries. Trump is said to be offering Putin some of Alaska’s natural resources. He is also expected to discuss the possibility of lifting some of the sanctions placed on Russia by him and his predecessor, Joe Biden.
What are the expectations?
Trump has hinted that a peace deal could involve ‘some swapping of territories to the betterment of both’, though details remain vague and controversial.
Last Friday, he said: ‘We are looking to actually get some back and some swapping. It is complicated, actually nothing easy. We are going to get some back, some switched.’
Sources familiar with discussions told CBS News that the White House is attempting to urge European leaders to consider a deal by which Russia would take the Donbas region and Crimea, and give up the partially-occupied regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
Meanwhile, Russia is believed to present sweeping demands – Ukraine’s withdrawal from regions like Donbas and Crimea, neutrality, and a rejection of NATO, conditions that Ukraine and its allies have long rejected.
However, many analysts warn that without coordinated Western pressure and Ukraine’s central role, the outcome remains uncertain.
They also fear the talks could produce a victory for Putin without any guarantees of lasting peace.
In recent days, European leaders have expressed concerns that a deal could be reached between Trump and Putin that does not favour Ukraine.
As a result, they have repeatedly insisted that any agreement must include Ukraine’s participation.
In a joint statement over the weekend, European powers, including France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Finland, alongside EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, released a statement urging Trump to ensure that Ukraine was at the negotiating table.
They said: ‘The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine.’
Meanwhile, Zelensky has said he would reject any proposals to give the Donbas region to Russia, saying it will serve as the basis for future attacks.
He said: ‘If we withdraw from the Donbas today – our fortifications, our terrain, the heights we control – we will clearly open a bridgehead for the Russians to prepare an offensive.’
What are the obstacles in the way of a deal?
The territory row is just one of several obstacles that could stand in the way of a deal between all sides.
Despite Ukraine’s central role in the conflict, there is uncertainty about its participation in the talks.
The Kremlin has reportedly rejected proposals to include Ukrainian President Zelensky, raising concerns about the legitimacy and inclusivity of any potential agreements.
The involvement of European leaders and other international allies will be crucial in shaping the outcome of the summit.
Their support for Ukraine and their influence over the US and Russia could help ensure that any agreements uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and lead to a lasting peace.
On Thursday, Zelensky met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, cementing the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst escalating tensions and ongoing military actions in eastern Ukraine.
The discussions between Zelensky and Starmer were expected to focus on reinforcing military and economic support for Ukraine.
A day before that, he joined European leaders in a discussion with Trump to lay down their own expectations for the summit.
Why now?
Putin has increased attacks in eastern Ukraine ahead of his summit. The focus has been the Donetsk region, where Russian forces have launched new ground assaults from positions north of Pokrovsk toward Dobropillia.
These attacks have broken through some Ukrainian defences and reached several settlements.
In the Bilozerske community, authorities ordered families with children to evacuate for their safety.
Zelensky has sent elite units, including the Azov Brigade, to try to stop the advance.
Experts say Russia may be using the attacks to strengthen its position ahead of the summit.
Putin could aim to show that Russia is in control of key areas in Donetsk, hoping this might give him leverage in talks with Trump.
Analysts warn that any discussion about peace will be complicated by the ongoing attacks and the strong support Ukraine receives from European allies.
It was also reported that Putin was preparing to test his nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed cruise missile on the eve of the summit, a move that some critics say could overshadow the meeting.