Putin Praises Trump’s Push for Peace Ahead of Alaska Summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday hailed US President Donald Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine, describing his administration as “energetic and sincere” in its pursuit of peace. His remarks came on the eve of a high-stakes US–Russia summit in Alaska set for Friday.
In a Kremlin-released video, Putin said Trump’s team was working hard “to stop the hostilities” and “reach agreements that serve the interests of all parties.” He also suggested that lasting peace between Russia, the US, Europe, and the wider world could be anchored in new agreements on nuclear arms control.
In Washington, Trump acknowledged there was “a 25% chance” the summit could fail but floated the idea of inviting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Alaska for a potential three-way meeting if progress is made. Speaking on Fox News, Trump said he might extend his stay in Anchorage depending on how the talks unfold.
Zelenskyy, meanwhile, continued his diplomatic push to ensure Ukraine’s voice is central to any outcome. On Thursday, he met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London in a show of British solidarity, with the two embracing outside 10 Downing Street before holding an hour-long meeting. A day earlier, Zelenskyy had joined virtual discussions from Berlin with Trump and several European leaders.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cautioned against speculating on the summit’s results, noting that no agreements are expected to be signed. Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, confirmed that talks will begin at 11:30 a.m. local time with a one-on-one session between Trump and Putin, followed by expanded discussions with their delegations and a working breakfast. A joint news conference is scheduled to conclude the meeting.
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