ANCHORAGE, Alaska — In a pivotal moment for international relations, President Donald Trump is meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin today in Alaska. This summit takes place on American soil and comes at a time when Putin is increasingly isolated by Western nations due to his aggressive actions in Ukraine. As part of his 2024 campaign, Trump has committed to swiftly ending the conflict in Ukraine, and he exuded optimism ahead of the discussions in Anchorage, emphasizing his established rapport with the Russian leader.
During a media briefing aboard Air Force One en route to Alaska, Trump remarked, "Look, he's a smart guy. He's been doing it for a long time, but so have I. We get along. It's a good respect level on both sides. And I think, you know, something is going to come up." The two leaders are set to convene at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, located on the outskirts of Anchorage, starting at 11 a.m. Alaska Time (3 p.m. ET).
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, a joint press conference will follow the summit to discuss the outcomes of the meeting. Trump has expressed a willingness to engage in discussions about business and trade with Putin. However, he has made it clear that he will not be open to expanding commercial ties until the violence in Ukraine ceases. "They want to do business, but they're not doing business until we get the war solved," Trump stated.
Trump also issued a warning to Putin, indicating that there would be serious repercussions if no progress is made toward ending the war. "I'm not doing this for my health, okay? I don't need it. I'd like to focus on our country, but I'm doing this to save a lot of lives," he asserted. European leaders, who have rallied behind Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression, spoke with Trump on Wednesday, emphasizing the necessity for Putin to agree to a ceasefire and provide security guarantees for Ukraine before any meaningful peace negotiations can commence.
On Friday, Trump indicated his openness to collaborating with European nations to offer security guarantees for Ukraine, but he firmly noted that this would not entail Ukraine joining NATO. In the lead-up to the summit, Trump broached the controversial idea of a land swap between Russia and Ukraine, a proposal that has met with strong resistance from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who argues that ceding territory would violate Ukraine's constitution.
As Trump traveled to the summit, he acknowledged that discussions about potential land exchanges would be on the agenda, but he emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with Ukraine. "I've got to let Ukraine make that decision. And I think they'll make a proper decision. But I'm not here to negotiate for Ukraine. I'm here to get them at a table," he concluded.
