U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Alaska on August 15 to discuss a potential resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, both sides confirmed this week. The announcement marks a significant diplomatic effort amid ongoing tensions, with Trump calling the negotiations "very close" to yielding an agreement.
Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov stated the leaders will focus on achieving a "long-term peaceful settlement" during the Alaska talks, though he acknowledged preparations will be "a difficult process." A follow-up meeting in Russia has already been proposed by Putin, signaling potential continuity in dialogue.
Trump emphasized that a ceasefire in Ukraine depends on Putin and dismissed the need for the Russian leader to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy beforehand. This stance contrasts with earlier White House suggestions that a Putin-Zelenskyy meeting would be a precondition for U.S.-Russia talks.
Putin also revealed the United Arab Emirates as a possible alternative venue for future discussions, praising the UAE’s role as a mediator. While he left open the possibility of engaging with Zelenskyy, he stressed that current conditions for such talks remain "far from being met."
