Trump and Putin to Meet in Alaska Over Ukraine War
The icy peaks of Alaska will frame one of the most anticipated political encounters of the year. On Friday, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, hoping to find a path towards ending the war in Ukraine.
The choice of venue – a vast, 64,000-acre military base on Alaska’s northern edge – is no accident. Officials say its high security, coupled with limited summer options, made it the perfect site for such a high-stakes gathering.
The base’s Cold War roots add a historical twist. Built in 1940, it once served as America’s shield against Soviet threats, hosting 200 fighter jets at its peak.
Today, more than 30,000 people live and work there, training in conditions that can dip to -12C in winter. This Friday, however, leaders will face milder weather at around 16C.
BREAKING: Donald Trump lands in Alaska, all dressed and ready to negotiate with Vladimir Putin. pic.twitter.com/dnvBa6LI8S
— PaulleyTicks (@PaulleyTicks) August 15, 2025
Trump has been pushing for a breakthrough in Ukraine for months. He set a deadline for Putin to agree to a ceasefire, threatening harsher sanctions if no deal was reached. That deadline passed – but instead of sanctions, the pair will now sit down in person.
Putin’s team notes the geographical logic of meeting in Alaska. “It seems quite logical for our delegation simply to fly over the Bering Strait and for such an important and anticipated summit of the leaders of the two countries to be held in Alaska,” said Russian aide Yuri Ushakov.
The White House is managing expectations, calling the session a “listening exercise.” Trump, speaking to Fox News Radio, even admitted there was only a “25% chance” of success.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not attend, though Trump says he could be involved in a follow-up meeting. Zelensky has already warned that any deal without Ukraine’s voice would be “dead decisions.”
With both sides entrenched – Ukraine refusing to concede land and Russia insisting on territorial control – the stakes are high. Any breakthrough in Anchorage could reshape the map of Eastern Europe.
Or it could simply be another failed attempt at peace in one of the world’s most dangerous conflicts.
