U.S. President Trump set to encounter Russian President Putin in Alaska on August 15, amidst soaring tensions related to the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
In a significant move, President Donald Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. The summit, which lasted approximately three hours, focused on potential discussions to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
During the meeting, Trump hinted at the possibility of territorial swaps in a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, but did not offer specific details. He also announced a plan to impose "secondary tariffs" on countries buying oil and gas from Russia as a means to target the Kremlin's revenue source.
Trump expressed his belief that both President Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy desire peace. He stated that if a peace deal is reached, President Zelenskyy would be getting everything he needs. However, Trump acknowledged that achieving a peace deal would not be easy, and that once conflict starts, it's difficult to stop.
The meeting comes amidst escalating tensions in Ukraine, with more than 100 Russian drones launching attacks on the north and central regions, causing damage and injuring civilians, including a 16-year-old girl and an 80-year-old woman.
The meeting could potentially mark a breakthrough in Trump's efforts to end the war, but there's no guarantee it would stop the fighting. There was no immediate confirmation from Moscow about the meeting. The meeting details will be announced with more information on Trump's social media platform, Truth Social.
Prior to the meeting, Trump had met with leaders from Armenia and Azerbaijan at the White House earlier in the day. On a separate note, Trump had imposed an additional 25% tariff on India, one of Russia's major oil importers, on Wednesday. Trump had previously claimed that tariffs would be at 100%, but later denied specifying a percentage.
The meeting, if it happens, would be the first U.S.-Russia summit since 2021. The outcome of the meeting remains to be seen, but it offers a glimmer of hope for a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Politics surrounding the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine remained at the forefront as President Trump met with Russian President Putin. The discussion, primarily centered on potential ceasefires, included the possibility of territorial swaps in a peace deal. Additionally, general news about the meeting indicated that Trump announced plans to impose "secondary tariffs" on countries buying oil and gas from Russia as a means to target the Kremlin's revenue source.
