Trump-Putin Alaska Meeting LIVE: US President Donald Trump meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, for a high-risk summit on ending the Ukraine war. Talks may involve territorial swaps, with global stakes and economic consequences.
Anchorage, Alaska – August 15, 2025 – In a move that has captured global attention, U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, for a high-risk, high-stakes summit that could determine the future course of the war in Ukraine.
Trump, who described the talks as a “feel-out meeting”, has given them only a 25% chance of failure, acknowledging the enormous political and economic stakes. The meeting is expected to explore the possibility of a peace deal that could involve territorial swaps between Ukraine and Russia—an idea that has already sparked strong reactions from Kyiv and global leaders.
Trump-Putin Alaska Meeting LIVE: No Ukrainian Seat at the Table
Despite Ukraine being the most directly affected party, President Volodymyr Zelensky has not been invited to the Alaska talks. Zelensky has firmly rejected any concessions of Ukrainian territory, while Moscow insists any settlement must include Ukrainian withdrawal from Russian-claimed regions.
Zelensky, speaking from Kyiv, expressed hope that the summit might “open up a real path toward a just peace”, but reiterated that “necessary steps must be taken by Russia” for any genuine resolution.
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Trump’s Stance: Ukraine to Decide on Land Swap
On board Air Force One en route to Alaska, Trump told reporters he would leave the decision on territorial swaps to Ukraine. He added that resolving the war is essential for restarting U.S.-Russia business ties, noting, “They want to do business, but they’re not doing business until we get the war solved.”
Strategic Optics: Putin’s Pit Stop and U.S. Military Presence
Before arriving in Alaska, Putin made a brief stop in Magadan—a remote Russian port city with a Soviet-era Gulag history—underscoring the symbolic weight of his trip.
Meanwhile, top U.S. defense and security officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine, are heading to Alaska to advise Trump during the talks.
Stakes and Possible Outcomes
Trump has indicated that if the meeting shows no progress, it could end “very quickly”. But if productive, it might pave the way for an end to the war in the “pretty near future”. He warned that failed negotiations could have “economically severe” consequences.
A source quoted by Reuters suggested that some form of agreement is expected, citing sanctions pressure on Russia as a motivating factor.
Global Reactions and Symbolism
- Pope Leo XIV, in his peace message from the Vatican, called for an end to “increasingly deafening violence” worldwide, although he did not mention the Alaska meeting directly.
- Anchorage residents have displayed pro-Ukraine posters, signaling public solidarity with Kyiv.
- Trump, moments before departure, posted “HIGH STAKES!!” on Truth Social, amplifying anticipation.
When and Where
The leaders are set to meet at 3:30 p.m. EST (1:00 a.m. IST) today in Anchorage. According to the Kremlin, Trump will personally greet Putin at his plane before the summit begins.