Trump, Putin Confirm Alaska Summit to Discuss Ukraine

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have confirmed they will meet in Alaska for high-stakes talks on the war in Ukraine. This summit, confirmed by both leaders, is aimed at securing a ceasefire, but it comes amid controversy over a potential deal that could see Ukraine cede significant territory to Russia.

On Aug.8, Trump confirmed on his Truth Social platform that his in-person meeting with Putin will take place in Alaska on Aug. 15. The Kremlin also confirmed Putin's attendance, with presidential aide Yuri Ushakov stating that Alaska is a "logical" venue given the close proximity of the two countries across the Bering Strait.

The meeting comes as the White House attempts to persuade European leaders to back a ceasefire agreement that would cede large parts of Ukrainian territory to Russia. According to sources familiar with the talks, the proposed deal would allow Russia to maintain control of Crimea and the entire Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk), which its forces largely control.

In return, Russia would have to give up its military control over the Ukrainian regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. This potential territorial concession has been met with firm opposition from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who declared that Ukraine "will not give up its land to the occupiers" and "will not reward Russia for what it has perpetrated."

Despite initially warning Putin of new sanctions, Trump is now embracing the role of a personal mediator. During a recent meeting, he hinted at the possibility of "territory exchanges for the benefit of both countries." 

The terms of a potential ceasefire remain unclear, as US officials have received conflicting reports on whether Putin intends to freeze current front lines or eventually withdraw from some regions. Any deal that cedes territory without the presence of Ukrainian officials at the negotiating table has been previously deemed unacceptable by Kyiv.