Trump to “Feel Out” Putin in Alaska Summit on Ending Ukraine War

Donald Trump will meet Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15 to explore possible peace in Ukraine, amid debate over land swaps and concerns for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Trump to Meet Putin in Alaska to Discuss Ending the Ukraine War

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, 2025, in an effort to explore potential pathways to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters, Trump described the meeting as a “feel-out” session, designed to gauge whether Putin is genuinely open to negotiations or determined to prolong the conflict.

The announcement comes shortly after Trump’s earlier call for a temporary ceasefire, urging Russia to halt its military actions or face additional U.S. sanctions. While no immediate breakthrough has been reported, the Alaska summit signals a continued push for diplomacy from Trump’s camp.

Trump said the talks would address sensitive topics, including a controversial “land-swap” proposal. Such an arrangement could involve both Ukraine and Russia exchanging certain territories to achieve a mutually acceptable agreement. He stressed that any deal would need to be beneficial for all parties, but acknowledged that the idea is controversial and has faced strong criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. They have repeatedly warned against any settlement that compromises Ukraine’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.

In preparation for the meeting, Trump confirmed that he has been in close communication with Zelenskyy and other allied leaders. “I’m going into this fully prepared, with all perspectives considered,” Trump told reporters. “If I see a real chance for peace, I’ll act. If not, we’ll keep up the pressure.”

The Alaska summit marks the first direct meeting between Trump and Putin since 2019. Security arrangements and scheduling issues have delayed the encounter, but Trump emphasized that now is the right time to test whether progress is possible. “This isn’t just about Ukraine,” he said. “It’s about global stability.”

Despite Trump’s optimism, many analysts remain cautious. Critics warn that Putin could use the meeting to solidify his position while continuing military operations on the ground. Without Ukraine’s direct involvement at the negotiating table, experts fear any deal could lack legitimacy or long-term effectiveness.

The war in Ukraine, now entering its fourth year, has caused devastating human and economic losses. Peace talks have repeatedly stalled, with both sides accusing each other of refusing to compromise. As the conflict drags on, pressure is mounting for an end to hostilities—yet the path to peace remains uncertain.

Trump’s Alaska meeting could prove pivotal. Whether it becomes a step toward ending one of the most significant conflicts of the decade, or just another missed opportunity, will depend on what happens behind closed doors in Anchorage this Friday.

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Trump, Putin, Ukraine War, Alaska Summit, Peace Talks, Land Swap, Zelenskyy, Diplomacy, Geopolitics