US President Donald Trump said Thursday he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to strike a deal over the war in Ukraine, suggesting that the threat of sanctions may have influenced Moscow’s willingness to meet. Trump and Putin are set to meet in Alaska tomorrow.
While uncertain about securing an immediate ceasefire, Trump expressed interest in brokering peace, noting that a potential follow-up summit with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could focus on sensitive boundary issues. He said such talks would involve “give and take” over territory, though the final agreement would be left to Putin and Zelensky.
Putin, preparing for the meeting, told senior officials that the US was making “energetic and sincere efforts” to end hostilities and hinted that nuclear arms control would be part of the discussions. Kremlin aides also confirmed economic ties would be on the agenda.
European and Ukrainian officials remain wary, fearing any deal could cement Russia’s control over occupied territories. European diplomats said Trump had shown some openness to security guarantees for Ukraine but avoided committing NATO’s direct involvement.
Friday’s summit will be the first US–Russia meeting since 2021 and comes amid one of the most critical phases of the war, which has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Trump has warned of “severe consequences” for Russia if the meeting fails to produce progress toward peace.
These all developments Ukraine Left Out as Trump-Putin Summit Nears
