Anchorage, August 14, 2025 (Agencies): Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump will meet on Friday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, for critical talks on the Ukraine conflict, economic cooperation, and nuclear arms control. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the leaders are prepared to address “the most difficult issues” during the summit, which is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. local time (19:30 GMT).
Peskov described the meeting as unprecedented in both timing and scope, noting that preparations were completed in a remarkably short period following a productive visit to Moscow by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff. He said both leaders share “mutual political will” to resolve the Ukrainian crisis through dialogue, while praising Trump’s “energetic and sincere” approach to diplomacy.
According to the Kremlin, the talks will explore potential ceasefire arrangements in Ukraine, expanded economic cooperation, and the possibility of reviving nuclear arms control agreements such as New START. The Russian delegation will be “large and representative,” reflecting the significance Moscow attaches to the summit.
While the Kremlin has confirmed a joint press conference after the talks, the White House has yet to formally comment on the matter. Washington has described the meeting as a “listening exercise,” and Western allies have expressed concerns that Kyiv has been sidelined from the process.
The Alaska venue, a secure U.S. military base with historic Cold War significance, was chosen for its isolation and proximity to Russia. Analysts say the meeting could either lay groundwork for de-escalation in Ukraine or deepen divisions between Washington and its European partners.