Trump Heads to Alaska for Ukraine Talks with Russian Counterpart Putin

Addis Ababa, August 15, 2025 (ENA)—"If it's a bad meeting, it'll end very quickly, and if it's a good meeting, we're going to end up getting peace in the pretty near future," US President Donald Trump before leaving for Alaska to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin

Trump invited Putin at the Russian leader’s suggestion, but has been cautious, warning the summit could end swiftly if Putin refuses to compromise.

European leaders and Ukraine’s President Zelensky, excluded from talks, closely monitor every word and gesture.

President Trump gaggled with reporters aboard Air Force One on his nearly seven-hour flight to Alaska.

Trump told reporters that land swaps will be discussed, but the decision is Ukraine's to make.

"They'll be discussed, but I've got to let Ukraine make that decision, and I think they'll make a proper decision. But I'm not here to negotiate for Ukraine. I'm here to get them at a table. And I think you have two sides.

Look, Vladimir Putin wanted to take all of Ukraine. If I wasn't president, he would, right now, be taking all of Ukraine, but he's not going to do it," Trump said.