Trump to urge Putin toward Ukraine ceasefire at Alaska summit

WASHINGTON, Aug 15 – Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are set to meet at a Cold War-era military base in Alaska on Friday, where the U.S. president is expected to push for a ceasefire in Ukraine. This high-stakes meeting will also feature a last-minute proposal from the Russian leader that includes the possibility of a new nuclear arms agreement, aimed at replacing the last remaining treaty set to expire early next year.

The meeting, set for 3 p.m. Eastern Time, will be the first face-to-face talks between Trump and Putin since Trump’s return to the White House. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, notably absent from the guest list, will be observing developments from afar, alongside European leaders who fear the meeting could result in Ukraine being pressured into territorial concessions.

Trump has long promised to end the nearly four-year-old conflict quickly, even claiming in the past he could resolve it within 24 hours. However, he has recently acknowledged the complexity of Europe’s largest land war since World War II. Trump now sees this summit as a critical step toward building his credentials as an international dealmaker, potentially bolstering his case for a Nobel Peace Prize.

For Putin, simply sitting down with Trump is already a strategic victory. It allows him to showcase that years of Western isolation have failed to keep Russia out of major diplomatic discussions. The Russian leader has also long preferred private discussions with Trump that do not involve Ukrainian participation.

Ceasefire Talks and Strategic Bargains

While Trump is pushing hard for a truce, he has also suggested that the real breakthrough could come in a follow-up three-way meeting with Zelenskiy, provided his talks with Putin go well. Behind the scenes, indications have emerged that Moscow may be willing to find a compromise, although officials remain tight-lipped about specific terms.

One senior figure familiar with Kremlin thinking hinted that a framework for agreement might be possible, noting that both sides are facing pressures that make concessions more likely. For Russia, tightening Western sanctions have placed strain on its economy, giving Putin an incentive to ease hostilities and reduce the risk of further penalties from Washington.

On the eve of the meeting, Putin floated the idea of a new nuclear arms control deal—something he knows Trump is keen to secure. Such an agreement could serve as a sweetener alongside any Ukraine ceasefire arrangements, offering both leaders a major diplomatic win.

Still, concerns remain that any ceasefire could be more symbolic than substantive. Analysts warn that Putin may agree to limited terms, such as halting aerial strikes, while retaining the ability to escalate the conflict on the ground. This approach would give the appearance of progress without creating lasting stability.

Land, Security, and the Political Chessboard

The most contentious issue remains territory. Putin’s forces currently control nearly 20% of Ukraine, and he has consistently demanded full control of the Donbas region, including Donetsk and Luhansk, as well as the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. He also insists that NATO membership be taken permanently off the table for Kyiv and that Ukraine agree to restrictions on its military capacity.

For Ukraine, these demands are unacceptable. Zelenskiy has made it clear he will not formally cede land to Moscow and has accused the Kremlin of dragging out negotiations to avoid further sanctions. He has, however, welcomed the idea of security guarantees and insists that Ukraine must be involved in any discussions involving its borders.

Trump has hinted that some form of land transfer could help break the stalemate, a suggestion that has sparked unease among Kyiv’s allies. European leaders fear that such concessions could set a dangerous precedent, rewarding aggression and undermining international norms.

Despite these differences, both sides have reasons to seek progress. Putin is under mounting pressure to show tangible results after years of war, while Trump is eager to present himself as the leader who could end the conflict and reset relations with Russia.