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Sunday 22/02/2026

Trump and Putin to Discuss Ukraine Conflict in Alaska Summit

Trump and Putin meeting in Alaska to discuss Ukraine
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Alaska on August 15 to discuss the Ukraine conflict.
  • Trump suggested the possibility of "swapping territories" as part of a peace deal, though details remain unclear.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected any territorial concessions, complicating potential agreements.
  • European leaders, including Poland's Donald Tusk, have hinted at a possible "freeze" in the conflict.
  • The meeting marks the first US-Russia summit since 2021, amid ongoing tensions and military actions in Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to meet in Alaska on August 15 to deliberate on the ongoing war in Ukraine. This meeting, confirmed by both the White House and the Kremlin, comes amid heightened tensions and complex geopolitical dynamics.

Territorial Swaps on the Table

President Trump has hinted at a potential resolution involving "swapping territories" between Ukraine and Russia, though he provided no specific details. "We're going to get some back, we're going to get some switched," Trump remarked, suggesting that such exchanges could benefit both nations. Reports indicate that the proposed deal might allow Russia to retain control over the Donbas region and Crimea, while relinquishing partial control of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

Ukraine's Stance and European Reactions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly opposed any territorial concessions, maintaining that Ukraine's sovereignty must remain intact. Despite this, European leaders, including Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk, have expressed cautious optimism about a potential "freeze" in the conflict. Tusk noted that recent communications with Zelenskyy and other European leaders suggest a ceasefire could be closer than anticipated.

Diplomatic Context and Historical Significance

The Alaska summit represents the first US-Russia meeting since 2021, underscoring the significance of the discussions. The meeting follows a series of diplomatic exchanges, with Trump previously expressing willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Putin and Zelenskyy. However, the Kremlin has dismissed the idea of a trilateral meeting, focusing instead on bilateral talks with the US.

The conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has seen numerous failed attempts at peace. Moscow's demands for Ukraine to abandon its NATO aspirations and reduce its military have been met with resistance from Kyiv and its allies.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The upcoming Trump-Putin summit could potentially reshape the geopolitical landscape, depending on the outcomes of their discussions. If a territorial swap agreement is reached, it may lead to a temporary ceasefire, though long-term peace remains uncertain given Ukraine's firm stance against concessions. European leaders will likely play a crucial role in mediating any agreements, balancing the interests of both Ukraine and Russia.

Experts suggest that while a "freeze" in the conflict might be achievable, a comprehensive peace deal will require significant diplomatic efforts and concessions from all parties involved. The international community will be closely monitoring the Alaska talks, as their outcomes could have far-reaching implications for US-Russia relations and the broader European security framework.