A summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is planned for Friday in Anchorage, Alaska, aimed at finding common ground for a potential ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Trump had previously voiced concerns about the flow of funds from Indian crude oil purchases into Russia’s military arsenal, indirectly funding the war against Ukraine. This meeting could be a crucial step in the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Russia and potentially benefit India. Before the summit, Trump expressed his belief that Putin is ready to negotiate peace. The meeting is scheduled for August 15 at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson. Trump expressed his opinion that both Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky would seek peace. Trump is also planning a follow-up meeting with President Zelensky, which may include European leaders.
Trump said, “We have a meeting with President Putin tomorrow. I think it’s gonna be a good meeting, but the more important meeting will be the second meeting that we’re having. We’re gonna have a meeting with President Putin, President Zelenskyy, me, and maybe we’ll bring some of the European leaders along, maybe not,”. “We’re going to see what happens. And I think President Putin will make peace. I think President Zelensky will make peace. We’ll see if they can get along. And if they can, it’ll be great,” he added. Trump referred to the conflict as “Biden’s War” and suggested it wouldn’t have happened if he were president, adding that he’d know quickly if a deal was possible.
The primary focus of the meeting will be the terms of a potential ceasefire. The leaders will address how such a deal might be structured, including potential territorial concessions. Trump suggested that Ukraine and Russia could consider exchanging territory to achieve their objectives. Analysts believe Putin will likely insist on Ukraine withdrawing from areas of Donetsk still under its control, which would give Russia complete control of the Donbas region. In exchange, Russia might be willing to cede some areas in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions it currently controls.