In a development that could shift the course of the Ukraine conflict and redefine the relationship between Washington and Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump are set to meet at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, this Friday.
The Kremlin has confirmed the schedule and agenda, calling the summit a “highly significant” step toward addressing global security challenges.
According to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, preparations for the meeting are being carried out “in an intensive mode” due to the short notice, with both logistical and technical matters — including expedited visa processes — being finalized. The summit will begin at 11:30 a.m. local time (19:30 GMT) with a private one-on-one discussion between the two leaders, attended only by interpreters.
Following the private exchange, the leaders will hold a delegation-level meeting over a working lunch. Five senior officials from each side will take part, supported by additional experts on standby.
High-Profile Russian Delegation
The Russian side will include:
Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister
Andrey Belousov, Defense Minister
Anton Siluanov, Finance Minister
Kirill Dmitriev, Special Presidential Representative for Investment and Economic Cooperation, is a central figure in Ukraine’s peace initiatives.
Yury Ushakov, Presidential Aide
The presence of such senior figures underscores Moscow’s intent to engage on a broad spectrum of political, security, and economic issues.
Ukraine Conflict Dominates the Agenda
While multiple issues will be discussed, Ushakov confirmed that the Ukraine crisis will remain the central topic. The two leaders are expected to examine potential frameworks for a ceasefire and long-term political settlement.
According to The Telegraph, Trump plans to make a “money-making peace offer” to Putin. Proposals reportedly under consideration include:
Granting Moscow access to Alaska’s natural resources
Easing select US sanctions on Russia’s aviation sector
Allowing Russia access to rare earth minerals in Ukrainian territories currently under Russian occupation
Sources indicate the proposal may involve a “West Bank-style” arrangement, in which Ukraine’s official borders would remain intact but Russia would maintain military and economic control over seized regions through a governing authority.
This concept is seen as a potential workaround to Ukraine’s constitutional restriction on ceding territory without a national referendum.
Strategic Calculations and Economic Leverage
Trump’s strategy appears to hinge on exploiting Russia’s economic vulnerabilities. Moscow’s economy has been under severe strain from international sanctions imposed since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The proposed deal would offer targeted economic relief in exchange for concrete steps toward ending hostilities.
US real estate developer Steve Witkoff is reportedly backing the plan, describing it as a pragmatic solution to a deadlocked war.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains cautious. Speaking earlier this week, he warned that Putin may be preparing to deploy thousands of additional troops and intensify Russia’s military campaign. Ukrainian military intelligence has also reported that Moscow is scaling up long-range drone production for deep strikes inside Ukraine.
Rising Security Concerns
Beyond the battlefield, Western intelligence sources have raised alarms over Russia’s possible preparations to test its 9M730 Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile. Satellite images have shown heightened activity at test facilities, echoing patterns from earlier missile trials.
Such developments add urgency to the Alaska talks, which will also touch upon global and regional security frameworks, trade cooperation, and long-term stability in Europe.
Global Implications
This will be the first in-person meeting between Putin and Trump in years, taking place in one of the most strategically sensitive locations in the United States. Analysts say the choice of Alaska — a region historically tied to both Russian and American narratives — is symbolically potent.
The outcome could have far-reaching consequences:
A potential breakthrough in the Ukraine conflict
Shifts in US-Russia economic ties
Possible redefinition of Western sanctions policy
The summit will conclude with a joint press conference, where both leaders are expected to outline the results of their talks. Whether this meeting becomes a diplomatic turning point or another chapter in prolonged geopolitical rivalry will depend on what emerges from behind closed doors in Anchorage.
For now, the world watches as two of the most polarizing political figures of the 21st century prepare to meet in a setting as cold and tense as the issues they aim to resolve.
