Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, and Vladimir Putin met at an airbase in Alaska, with both leaders expressing apparent enthusiasm. Their joint appearance, including sharing a vehicle, has drawn attention and potential apprehension from European nations. These nations are concerned about potential deals favoring Russia.
The meeting, the first in six years, saw top Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev indicate that discussions would not be limited to Ukraine and economic affairs. A TASS source reported that global strategic security would also be on the agenda. Despite prior comments from Trump suggesting he might leave the meeting if it went poorly, both leaders projected positivity. While the U.S. has framed the summit as a peace initiative, Trump’s business acumen suggests a potential commercial undertone to the discussions.
Restoration of relations between Russia and the U.S. is being considered, said Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) CEO Dmitriev. This would involve not only economic and Ukrainian issues but also ways to mend ties between the two countries. A focus on these issues could, however, weaken Ukraine’s position.
The meeting between the two leaders is expected to last approximately 7 hours. Other discussion points, according to Peskov, include bilateral relations, potential joint economic projects, and other regional and international issues.