US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Alaska on August 15 to discuss ending the Ukraine war. This announcement follows Trump’s comments about a potential territorial swap. Reports suggest a proposal where Russia keeps Donbas and Crimea but gives up parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently rejected any territorial concessions. It is unclear if he or European allies will support this plan. Currently, Russia controls about 20% of Ukraine’s territory. Previous talks have not succeeded, with Russia demanding Ukrainian neutrality and military reductions, along with NATO withdrawal. Trump expressed hope for a potential trilateral peace deal. Meanwhile, the White House has not confirmed any new sanctions on Russia. This meeting is the first in-person US–Russia presidential summit since 2021.
