Trump meeting Putin in Alaska today

Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Alaska on Friday for a high-stakes summit, as the United States pushes for a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The talks will take place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will not be in attendance. Trump said Thursday that he hopes this summit will pave the way for a second meeting that would bring Zelenskyy into the discussions.

“I think it’s going to be a good meeting,” Trump told reporters. “But the more important meeting will be the second one we’re going to have. That will involve President Putin, President Zelenskyy, myself, and possibly some European leaders — maybe we’ll bring them in, maybe we won’t.”

In his Friday evening address, Zelenskyy said he is closely watching developments and hopes the U.S. enters the talks from a position of strength. “Of course, I receive reports from our intelligence and diplomats about preparations for the meeting in Alaska and about what Putin is bringing with him,” he said. “We are also receiving reports from Ukrainian regions after Russian strikes. On the very day of negotiations, they are still killing people — that speaks volumes.”

“Ukraine is ready to work as productively as possible to end the war,” Zelenskyy continued. “We hope for a strong position from the United States. Everything will depend on this — the Russians respect American strength. Strength alone.”