Trump and Putin Hold High-Stakes Alaska Summit to Discuss Ending Ukraine War

In a pivotal face-to-face meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed efforts to end the war in Ukraine, alongside other pressing global issues. The summit, which lasted around two and a half hours, took place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson after the two leaders greeted each other with smiles and a firm handshake on the tarmac.

Both presidents were joined by key advisors — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff accompanied Trump, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov sat alongside Putin.

Talks Aimed at Breaking the Deadlock

The high-level meeting is seen as a potential breakthrough in the three-year-long conflict between Russia and Ukraine that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. Trump warned Putin of “very severe consequences” — including tougher economic sanctions — if Russia refuses to agree to a ceasefire.

Expressing optimism, Trump said he was “confident” that a deal could be reached in Alaska, but made it clear that if talks failed, he would “walk away.”

Ukraine’s Stance

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced strong support for U.S. diplomatic leadership, stating in his nightly address from Kyiv:

“We trust in a strong American position. Everything will depend on it.”

Zelensky and European leaders have been closely monitoring the developments, with many setting firm “red lines” for Trump’s negotiations. The U.S. president has indicated that any resolution must directly address territorial disputes between Russia and Ukraine.

Background Tensions

Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to end the war that began with Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Although he and Putin have spoken multiple times by phone during Trump’s second term, recent months have seen growing frustration in Washington over what is perceived as Moscow’s reluctance to make genuine peace efforts.

Trump told Fox News before the summit:

“This is really setting the table. If things go well, we’ll meet again very soon. If not, we might not meet again — maybe ever.”

Trump–Putin Summit in Alaska: Leaders Discuss Russia–Ukraine Conflict