Anchorage, Alaska: U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Anchorage, marking their first face-to-face talks since Trump’s return to the White House. The summit, the first of its kind on U.S. soil since 1988, focused on achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine and laying the groundwork for a new nuclear arms control treaty to replace the New START agreement, which expires in early 2026.
Trump entered the talks aiming to secure a truce that could enhance his global statesman credentials and potentially pave the way for a three-way meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. While acknowledging there was only a 25% chance of an immediate breakthrough, Trump said the meeting could open the door to more comprehensive negotiations. He assured European and Ukrainian leaders in earlier communications that Kyiv would be included in any territorial discussions and hinted at possible security guarantees for Ukraine outside NATO.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the primary goal as halting fighting, with broader agreements on territory and security to follow. He confirmed that Trump and Putin had held multiple phone calls in the lead-up to the summit, underscoring the urgency of the initiative.
Putin, facing ongoing economic strain from Western sanctions, signaled willingness to discuss a phased ceasefire in Ukraine and proposed starting talks on a new arms control pact. Analysts say the Kremlin is using the summit to shift the narrative toward global stability while retaining military leverage. U.S. intelligence has noted increased activity at Russia’s Novaya Zemlya test site, possibly related to preparations for a test of the 9M730 Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, a move that could inflame tensions.
European leaders and President Zelenskiy have stressed that Ukraine must have full participation in any settlement and warned against agreements that would force territorial concessions. Ukrainian troops on the ground have expressed skepticism about the viability of a quick ceasefire, rejecting any compromise on sovereignty.
The outcome of the Alaska summit remains uncertain. While it has opened a new diplomatic channel between Washington and Moscow, its success will depend on Ukraine’s inclusion, adherence to international sovereignty principles, and the willingness of both sides to commit to lasting security arrangements. Meanwhile, the shadow of potential military escalation continues to loom over any peace efforts.