Trump Arrives in Alaska for Putin Summit, Calls for Immediate Ukraine Ceasefire
U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Alaska on Friday for a high-stakes summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking before his departure, Trump said he wanted to see a ceasefire in Ukraine “today.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was not invited to the talks. He and European allies worry Trump could agree to freeze the conflict and, even informally, recognize Russian control over about one-fifth of Ukraine.
Trump attempted to ease these concerns while boarding Air Force One. He stressed that Ukraine would decide on any possible territorial changes. “I’m not here to negotiate for Ukraine, I’m here to get them at a table,” he said.
When asked what would define success, Trump replied: “I want to see a ceasefire rapidly… I’m not going to be happy if it’s not today… I want the killing to stop.”
Summit Agenda and Participants
Trump is expected to welcome Putin upon his arrival. The two will meet at an Air Force base in Anchorage at 11 a.m. local time (1900 GMT) for their first face-to-face talks since Trump returned to the White House.
Joining Trump in the meeting will be Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy to Russia Steve Witkoff. The larger bilateral session will also include Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Trump hopes a truce in the 3½-year-old war — Europe’s deadliest since World War Two — will bring peace and strengthen his reputation as a global peacemaker. He has openly suggested such efforts could merit a Nobel Peace Prize.
For Putin, the summit is already a diplomatic win, signaling that Western isolation efforts are weakening and that Russia is reasserting itself on the global stage.
Potential Outcomes and Challenges
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev described the pre-summit atmosphere as “combative,” noting the leaders would discuss Ukraine and broader U.S.-Russia relations.
Trump, who once claimed he could end the war within 24 hours, acknowledged on Thursday that the task has proven tougher than expected. He suggested that if Friday’s meeting goes well, arranging a follow-up three-way summit with Zelenskiy would be even more important than his talks with Putin.
The Kremlin said such a summit could be possible if progress is made in Alaska. Talks could last six to seven hours and may involve aides despite earlier expectations of one-on-one sessions.
Zelenskiy said the summit should lead to a “just peace” and include Ukraine in direct talks. He stressed that Russia continues its attacks, noting a missile strike in Dnipropetrovsk killed one person and injured another on Friday.
“It’s time to end the war, and the necessary steps must be taken by Russia. We are counting on America,” Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram.
Economic and Strategic Stakes
Trump described Putin as “a smart guy” and welcomed the Russian leader’s decision to bring business representatives to Alaska, but warned they would not trade until the war ends. He has also threatened “economically severe” consequences if the talks fail.
A source familiar with Kremlin thinking suggested Moscow might consider a compromise due to its economic vulnerabilities and the high cost of prolonging the war. Possible conditions include freezing the conflict along current front lines, securing a pledge to block NATO expansion, and lifting some sanctions.
Putin also hinted at offering Trump a new nuclear arms control agreement to replace the last remaining treaty, set to expire in February.
Common Ground and Remaining Divisions
Some analysts believe the two sides may find limited common ground. Putin has said he is open to a full ceasefire but insists on resolving verification issues first. One compromise could involve halting air strikes while ground fighting continues.
Zelenskiy has ruled out handing over territory and is seeking U.S.-backed security guarantees.
Many Ukrainians remain skeptical. “Nothing good will happen there,” said Tetiana Harkavenko, a 65-year-old Kyiv resident. “War is war, it will not end. The territories — we’re not going to give anything to anyone.”
