The high-stakes meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin commenced today at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war that began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Initially planned as a one-on-one discussion, the summit now includes senior officials from both nations, according to BBC reports.
As negotiations unfold, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of ongoing violence, stating on his official X handle, “On the day of negotiations, the Russians are killing as well. And that speaks volumes. Recently, we’ve discussed with the U.S. and Europeans what can truly work. Everyone needs a just end to the war. Ukraine is ready to work as productively as possible to bring the war to an end, and we count on a strong position from America. Everything will depend on this – the Russians factor in American strength. Make no mistake – strength.”
The summit follows Trump’s announcement on social media, with the Kremlin confirming Alaska as a “quite logical” location due to its proximity to Russia, as reported by BBC. Hours before the meeting, Trump suggested a potential resolution involving territorial concessions, stating at the White House, “You’re looking at territory that’s been fought over for three and a half years, a lot of Russians have died. A lot of Ukrainians have died. It’s very complicated. We’re going to get some back, we’re going to get some switched. There will be some swapping of territories, to the betterment of both.”
Zelensky firmly rejected this idea, emphasizing Ukraine’s stance on sovereignty. “The answer to the Ukrainian territorial issue is already in the Constitution of Ukraine. No one will and cannot deviate from this. Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier,” he wrote on Telegram. He further warned, “Any solutions that are against us, any solutions that are without Ukraine, are at the same time solutions against peace,” while expressing readiness for “real solutions” to ensure lasting peace.
The outcome of the Trump-Putin summit remains uncertain, but it carries significant hope for a pivotal step toward resolving the devastating conflict that has claimed countless lives and reshaped global security.