Trump, Putin Meet in Alaska to Discuss Ukraine Conflict

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to meet on August 15, 2025, in Alaska to discuss peace talks aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. Alaska, once a Russian territory sold to the United States in 1867, holds significant symbolic and geopolitical importance, lying close to Russia across the Bering Strait and featuring deep historical ties, such as Russian Orthodox communities within the state. The choice of Alaska as the summit location underscores a shift in global power dynamics, with the U.S. asserting influence while moving focus toward the Pacific, and Russia leveraging its resources beyond Europe. Trump views the talks as a potential path to a mutually beneficial land-swap agreement, signaling progress in a previously stalemated conflict. However, the meeting has drawn criticism, as some point to Alaska's Russian historical claims and warn against conceding territory, while others condemn hosting Putin amid his International Criminal Court arrest warrant. Both leaders and their aides are preparing practical and political frameworks for the summit, with expectations of further meetings, possibly in Russia, following the Alaska talks.