WASHINGTON, D.C. – US President Donald Trump has scheduled a face-to-face meeting with Russian’s Vladimir Putin for 15 August in Anchorage, Alaska, to try to address the conflict in Ukraine.
Both the White House and Trump’s Truth Social page confirmed the summit, which will be the first meeting between these leaders since Trump returned to office at the start of 2025.
The announcement coincides with growing pressure as the US deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire draws near, sparking debate about whether the talks could lead to progress or create further challenges in the almost four-year conflict.
The White House called the summit an important move towards ending the war in Ukraine. A statement released on Friday said, “President Trump is focused on stopping the destruction in Ukraine through strong, direct talks.
The 15 August meeting with President Putin in Alaska is a chance to push peace talks forward and find a settlement that puts stability and security first for everyone involved.”
The statement described Trump as a “peacemaker” but did not share any details about the meeting agenda or mention whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would take part. The administration also avoided addressing questions about possible land concessions, promising that more information would be shared later.
On Friday morning, Trump posted on Truth Social to highlight the upcoming summit. “The long-awaited meeting between myself, as President of the United States of America, and President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, will happen next Friday, August 15, 2025, in Alaska,” he wrote.
“We are nearly at a deal on Ukraine—nobody negotiates better than me! Details soon. Thank you for your attention!” The post showed Trump’s usual self-confidence, presenting the meeting as a personal victory, but did not clarify any terms of a possible agreement.
Expert Opinions on the Trump-Putin Summit
Political analysts in Washington and elsewhere are split over what the Trump–Putin meeting could mean. Dr Elizabeth Harper at the Center for Strategic and International Studies warned that Trump’s plans might push Ukraine and its European supporters away. “Talk of swapping land, as mentioned by Trump, is a non-starter for Kyiv,” Harper said.
“Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has made it clear he will not accept giving up occupied land, and any agreement favouring Russia could break NATO’s unity.” Harper also noted that hosting the meeting in Alaska—close to Russia—might be intended to show American strength.
By contrast, Michael O’Connell, a foreign policy analyst linked to conservative policy groups, supported Trump’s choice to meet Putin directly. “This is typical Trump—ignoring slow bureaucracy and getting to the point,” O’Connell commented. “
He is counting on his direct approach with Putin to deliver results where others have failed. But there are still big questions about what ‘land swaps’ actually mean.” O’Connell also pointed out that Trump’s recent tariffs on India, following their continued purchases of Russian oil, show a strategy designed to squeeze Russia into making concessions.
Others, like Dr Anna Petrova of Georgetown University, are less optimistic. “Putin has a track record of dragging out negotiations,” she said. “And with the risk of arrest by the International Criminal Court, Alaska is a safe place for him to attend without fear of detention.” Petrova raised concerns about Zelenskyy’s exclusion from the event, arguing it could damage the legitimacy of any deal reached.
Ukraine’s Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was not invited, has shown clear annoyance at the idea of talks between the US and Russia that leave Ukraine out. In his Thursday night address, Zelenskyy said, “Ukraine has every right to be included in any negotiations.”
He acknowledged ongoing US diplomatic efforts, including a recent visit to Moscow by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, but warned against any deal that would harm Ukraine’s sovereignty. “Pressure on Russia is starting to work, but we can’t trust them easily,” Zelenskyy said, referring to Russia’s record of not keeping promises.
Zelenskyy’s absence has led to criticism in Washington, especially after Trump previously floated a three-way meeting that included Ukraine’s leader. Reports suggest the Kremlin refused to let Zelenskyy take part, which has upset some Democratic lawmakers.
“President Trump cannot decide Ukraine’s future without having Ukraine at the table,” said Senator Mark Warner, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee. “It risks repeating past mistakes where big powers made decisions for smaller countries.”
Background and Ongoing Issues
The Alaska meeting follows months of Trump’s efforts to encourage a Ukraine–Russia truce. Last month, he gave Russia until 8 August to stop its attacks, threatening high tariffs on Russian oil and secondary sanctions on countries like China and India.
On 6 August, Trump raised tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 50% in response to their continued Russian oil imports. Despite these steps, Russia has not backed down, and recent attacks in Kyiv have drawn strong criticism from Trump.
Alaska was chosen as it sits close to Russia, making it a charged location for the talks. The state’s geography means Putin can travel without risk of arrest on International Criminal Court charges, as the US is not a member of the ICC and does not have to enforce its warrants.
As 15 August approaches, Washington is full of speculation about what the summit might deliver. Trump’s mention of “land swaps” has caused concern among Ukraine’s allies, who worry it could allow Russia to keep territories like Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk.
European countries, left out of the negotiations, are cautious about Trump’s solo moves, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressing the need for close cooperation so Kyiv is not sidelined.
The White House has said more information will come soon, but for now, the future of the talks remains uncertain.
There is hope for a breakthrough, but many also fear the talks could make matters worse if Ukraine’s interests are not protected. As one senior Capitol Hill staffer said, “This is Trump’s chance to prove he can make a real deal, or risk showing he’s out of his depth.”
