Trump, Putin Meet in Alaska for Talks on Possible Ukraine Ceasefire

📅 Published: August 16, 2025

📰 Source: zimcelebsblitz

Curated by AllZimNews.com

Air Force base in Anchorage.

The two leaders shook hands, briefly touched each other on the arm, and then entered Trump’s limousine for the short ride to the summit site.

The meeting marked the first time the two presidents have met since 2019.

Delegations from both sides sat across from each other beneath a blue backdrop with the words “Pursuing Peace” printed on it.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was not invited to the talks.

He and several European allies have expressed concern that Trump could agree to freeze the conflict, which might involve informal recognition of Russian control over about one-fifth of Ukraine.

Before departing Washington, Trump told reporters that he would not make decisions on Ukraine’s behalf. “I’m not here to negotiate for Ukraine, I’m here to get them at a table,” he said.

When asked what he considered a successful outcome for the meeting, Trump said, “I want to see a ceasefire rapidly … I’m not going to be happy if it’s not today … I want the killing to stop. ”The initial session included U.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special envoy to Russia Steve Witkoff, Russian foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Following the smaller session, a larger bilateral meeting was scheduled.

According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, participants on the U.

S. side would include Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and chief of staff Susie Wiles.