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He explained that the summit’s goal is to “create long-term conditions for peace between our countries, as well as in Europe, and in the world as a whole.”
That broader peace, he added, could be achieved if the next stages of U.S.–Russia talks produce results “in the area of control over strategic offensive weapons.”
The reference points directly to the New START treaty, a 2011 nuclear arms pact set to expire in February 2026. Both sides had agreed to reduce their deployed long-range nuclear weapons — but the clock is ticking.
Trump Flexes Military Muscle Ahead of Talks
While Putin spoke of peace, Trump made it clear he’s not coming to the table empty-handed. Earlier this month, the President revealed he had ordered two nuclear submarines to move into position near Russia.
Trump said the move was in response to “highly provocative” comments by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, who is notorious for his fiery social media threats, often invoking nuclear war.
The submarines, Trump said, were deployed “in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.”
Behind Closed Doors, High Stakes Conversations
Yury Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy aide, confirmed the Alaska meeting will start with a one-on-one session — just the two presidents and their translators — followed by a working lunch.
The talks will focus heavily on Ukraine and the potential for expanding trade and economic cooperation between the two powers. The day will end with a joint press conference.
Russia’s delegation will include Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, and Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund.
No Seat for Kyiv — and Europe is Nervous
Notably absent from the Alaska summit: Ukraine and European leaders. The snub has already sparked fears that Trump might pressure Kyiv into making dangerous concessions.
European heads of state held urgent calls with Trump Wednesday, urging him to support a ceasefire and ensure Ukraine has a place in any future negotiations. They left the talks cautiously optimistic.
Zelensky Stands Firm
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already drawn a red line: no surrender of the eastern Donbas region.
“For the Russians, Donbas is a springboard for a future new offensive. If we leave Donbas of our own accord or under pressure, we will start a third war,” Zelensky told reporters.
“I am not going to surrender my country because I have no right to do so,” he added. “If we leave Donbas today, our fortifications, our terrain, the heights we control, we will clearly open a bridgehead for the preparation of a Russian offensive.”
Russia has already seized Crimea in 2014 and launched a full-scale invasion in 2022. Now, all eyes are on Alaska — where Trump and Putin will sit down in what could be the most consequential U.S.–Russia summit in years.
