US President Donald Trump traveled to Alaska to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, in what is being described as a high-stakes diplomatic summit. Trump emphasized that he is not negotiating on behalf of Ukraine, but hopes to bring Putin to the table for discussions that could influence the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has been active since February 2022.
During the flight, Trump told reporters that the aim is to explore potential agreements, including discussions around land exchanges, but stressed that any final decisions remain with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the US to convince Russia to halt its military actions, highlighting the urgency of ending the war.
The US delegation accompanying Trump includes top officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Russian officials indicated that the summit could last several hours, with private talks between the two leaders supported by their advisors.
Observers note the historical and symbolic significance of holding the meeting in Alaska, purchased from Russia in 1867, while unusual moments on the ground, including local wildlife sightings and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov wearing a Soviet-era sweatshirt, have drawn attention. Analysts have also commented on the broader geopolitical implications, including the potential effects on India and US-China trade dynamics.
Credit: Based on public reports and official statements