President Donald Trump seems to have eased expectations for an upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, USA. On August 11, he described the summit as a "tershow meeting" to "see what he thinks" about a deal to end the conflict in Ukraine.
"Maybe in the first two minutes, I will know exactly whether it is possible to reach an agreement or not," Donald Trump told reporters. Trump is planning to tell Putin about ending the conflict in Ukraine and see if a "fair deal" is offered. The ceasefire, Trump said, could involve "some territorial exchanges" between Russia and Ukraine. Regarding the development of the meeting with President Putin scheduled to take place in Alaska, President Trump said: "I think it will be good but it can also be bad."
President Donald Trump's comments came as Russian forces gained significant territorial gains in key positions on the ground in eastern Ukraine. Russia has strengthened its advantage near the cities of Kramatorsk and Dobropillya in recent days. Both cities are the main centers of the Ukrainian army, especially Kramatorsk, which is still home to thousands of civilians who refuse to flee.
President Donald Trump's expectations for the Alaska summit, including terms that Russia may be willing to accept, are said to be based on a meeting between US presidential special advisor Steve Witkoff and President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last week.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had talks with President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders on August 13. The call involved leaders of the UK, France, Finland, Italy and Poland, as well as leaders of the European Union and NATO. German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said that in a video meeting on August 13, the leaders discussed options to put pressure on Russia, prepare for peace negotiations as well as issues related to territorial demands and security.
Earlier, after a meeting with US Vice President J.D Vance in the UK over the weekend, European leaders issued a strong statement supporting Ukraine and warning that Russia should not be allowed to redraw international borders by force.
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump confirmed he would speak with European leaders "to get everyone's opinions" ahead of a summit with President Putin. "I will engage in that matter with the highest spirit of readiness," Trump said, adding that he wanted a ceasefire to be signed quickly.
The United States bought Alaska from Russia in 1867. Historical factors contributed to the resonate meeting of the two leaders. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov pointed out that Russia and the US are neighbors, only separated by the Bering Strait. "It seems quite reasonable that our delegation only flew through the Bering Strait and an important, anticipated summit of the leaders of the two countries held in Alaska," said Mr. Ushakov.
The meeting in Alaska marked the first time President Vladimir Putin has been invited to the United States, outside the United Nations, since 2007. The White House confirmed on August 12 that a meeting between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin will take place in Anchorage City. The two sides are expected to be present at the Elmendorf-Richardson Joint Stock Station - the largest military base in Alaska.
The last time Alaska was the focus of a US diplomatic event was in March 2021, when the US diplomatic and national security delegation met with Chinese partners in Anchorage.
