Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin touched down in Alaska on Friday for what could be one of the most consequential meetings of Trump’s presidency — a summit that will test his pledge to end the war in Ukraine.
Both leaders spoke optimistically ahead of the talks. Trump warned, however, that he might judge the meeting a failure “after just a few minutes” if Putin refused to make concessions. The Kremlin countered by saying the conversation was expected to last six or seven hours.
This is Putin’s first visit to Western soil since launching the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 — an offensive that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. In recent weeks, Russian forces have notched several battlefield victories, potentially giving the Kremlin more leverage in any ceasefire discussions.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on his way to Anchorage, Trump told reporters:
“There’s a good respect level on both sides and I think something’s going to come out of it.”
The meeting will be watched closely by European leaders and by Ukrainian
