U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska next Friday, August 15, in what could mark a pivotal moment in ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Trump announced the meeting on Truth Social, noting that it will “start off with Russia,” while leaving the door open to a potential trilateral discussion involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A senior White House official, speaking to CBS News, described the planning process as “still fluid” and hinted that Zelenskyy’s participation has not been ruled out.
Earlier this week, the White House stated that Trump was open to engaging with both Putin and Zelenskyy. However, on Friday, Trump suggested the Alaska talks might initially be limited to himself and Putin, adding, “We have a shot at” arranging a three-way meeting at a later stage.
Russian businessman and Kremlin adviser Kirill Dmitriev also acknowledged the planned summit in a post on X, emphasizing U.S.-Russia cooperation in areas such as the Arctic’s environment, infrastructure, and energy without directly addressing the war in Ukraine.
The Alaska meeting will be the first in-person encounter between Putin and a U.S. leader since President Joe Biden met him in Switzerland in June 2021, months before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The summit comes just days before Trump’s self-imposed August 8 deadline for Putin to agree to a ceasefire or face sweeping economic sanctions, including possible secondary penalties on nations doing business with Russia.
Earlier this week, Trump announced 50% tariffs on Indian imports, citing in part India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. The status of additional sanctions remains unclear.
Tensions between Trump and Putin have reportedly increased in recent weeks, as Russian forces continue drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. Trump has described some of his recent calls with Putin as “disappointing.” Nevertheless, the tone shifted after Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, held several hours of talks with Putin in Moscow on Wednesday; discussions Trump later described as “very productive.”
“President Putin, I believe, wants to see peace, and Zelenskyy wants to see peace,” Trump told reporters on Friday.
The details of any potential agreement remain uncertain. Russia currently controls large portions of eastern Ukraine, both territories captured since 2022 and areas annexed during the 2014 conflict. Moscow has previously demanded Ukraine withdraw its forces from much of the east, including areas not yet under Russian control, and abandon its bid to join NATO. Zelenskyy has firmly rejected those terms.
Trump also suggested that a future peace deal could involve “some swapping of territories” between Russia and Ukraine. He has at times blamed both leaders for the slow pace of negotiations and earlier this year openly clashed with Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, accusing him of prolonging the conflict by refusing to cede Crimea to Russia.
The Trump administration has twice paused military aid to Ukraine before resuming shipments. The Alaska meeting could be a decisive test of whether the two leaders can move closer to ending the war or further entrench their opposing positions.
