A Sudden Move Toward Direct Talks
President Donald Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska this Friday in what the White House describes as a “feel-out meeting” to explore the possibility of ending the war in Ukraine. The summit, announced just days ago, will mark the first time Trump and Putin sit down together since Trump’s return to office. Trump has said he will decide within minutes whether a deal is possible, framing the talks as an opportunity to understand Russia’s demands before involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Kyiv has expressed unease over being excluded from the meeting. European leaders from several countries, along with the European Commission, have urged that Ukraine must be included in any decisions affecting its future. Trump indicated he intends to brief NATO allies, European partners, and Zelenskyy after the talks, but his openness to exploring “land swaps” has already stirred concern among Ukraine’s backers.
Ukraine’s Caution and Russia’s Silence
Zelenskyy has welcomed efforts toward peace while warning that Moscow could use the talks to manipulate the process. He reiterated that Ukraine’s constitution requires parliamentary approval for any territorial concessions, a position that has frustrated Trump. At the same time, Ukrainian intelligence suggests Russia is preparing new military operations, casting doubt on any near-term ceasefire.
The Kremlin has provided few details about its agenda, though analysts say Putin is unlikely to abandon key demands, such as halting Ukraine’s NATO ambitions and ceding territory claimed by Russian forces. Pro-Kremlin voices have framed the Alaska summit as a diplomatic win for Putin, particularly given Ukraine’s exclusion from the table.
Sanctions, Pressure, and Strategic Timing
The meeting comes after weeks of escalating rhetoric from Washington, including Trump’s threat to impose sweeping secondary sanctions and tariffs on Russian energy exports. Russia’s acceptance of the summit is seen by some as a way to delay or avert these measures. The talks also follow Trump’s decision to relax certain export restrictions on advanced technology sales to China, suggesting a broader strategy of leveraging trade and economic policy in foreign negotiations.
In Moscow, the choice of Alaska has drawn attention to shared history, as the state was part of the Russian Empire until 1867. Russian officials have highlighted Alaska’s cultural ties to their country, portraying the location as symbolically significant.
Uncertain Outcomes Ahead
While the summit’s symbolic weight is clear, its practical outcomes remain unpredictable. The format, duration, and exact agenda have not been finalized. Trump’s emphasis on speed in reaching a judgment contrasts with the complexity of the issues at stake — from territory disputes to NATO’s future role in Ukraine’s defense.
For Ukraine, the risk is that decisions could be shaped without its participation. For the US and its allies, the challenge will be ensuring that any proposals align with long-standing commitments to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. As the world watches Alaska, the question is whether the meeting will open a genuine path to peace or simply mark another twist in a conflict with no easy resolution.