Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin meet in Alaska to discuss ending the Ukraine war.
A New Diplomatic Push?
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin later this week in Alaska, describing it as a "feel-out" meeting. The goal? To gauge whether Russia is genuinely open to ending its ongoing war with Ukraine.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Trump stated that he expects to understand Putin’s intentions within “the first few minutes” of their conversation. While he remained hopeful, Trump admitted there’s a possibility that the meeting could “go nowhere.”
Land-Swap Talks on the Table?
In a surprising twist, Trump suggested that both Russia and Ukraine might have to agree to land swaps as part of a potential peace agreement. He emphasized that while such negotiations wouldn’t be easy, they might be necessary to bring an end to the war that has been raging since 2022.
> “In any negotiation, both sides might have to give something up,” Trump said. “We’ll see if there’s any willingness.”
This idea has sparked concerns, particularly from European allies and Ukrainian leaders, who have firmly opposed any compromise that involves territorial concessions.
Where Does Ukraine Stand?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not expected to attend the Alaska summit, though Trump noted that he will be kept in the loop throughout the process. European leaders are also reportedly coordinating a joint call with Trump and Zelenskyy to ensure alignment before any commitments are made.
NATO and EU officials have stated they support diplomatic efforts—but only if they respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and involve its leadership directly.
International Reactions
While Trump’s bold diplomatic play has received mixed reactions, some experts believe even exploratory talks could ease military tensions—especially as the war drags into its fourth year.
However, skepticism remains high. Critics argue that any agreement reached without Ukraine’s full participation could lack legitimacy and risk future instability.
Final Thoughts
Trump's upcoming meeting with Putin is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched diplomatic events in recent months. Whether it leads to meaningful peace talks or stalls out like previous attempts remains to be seen.
