Putin Praises U.S. Peace Efforts as Trump Prepares to Push for Ukraine War Resolution at Alaska Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin has lauded what he described as America’s “sincere efforts” to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, expressing hope that upcoming talks with U.S. President Donald Trump could lay the groundwork for broader peace negotiations. Putin hinted that discussions might extend beyond Ukraine, potentially covering nuclear arms control and wider global security issues. His remarks come as Russian forces continue to make gains in eastern Ukraine, raising tensions across Europe.
The White House confirmed that President Trump is determined to “exhaust all options” in pursuit of a peaceful settlement. In preparation for their meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, Trump has emphasized his readiness to explore every diplomatic avenue and assess progress directly with the Russian leader. Scheduled for August 15, 2025, this will be the first face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin since 2021. While no immediate agreements are expected, the summit is being positioned as a stepping stone toward a longer-term resolution.
Trump has also indicated that the Alaska talks could open the door to a second summit involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He acknowledged the possibility of failure if such a meeting does not materialize and hinted that sanctions could follow should diplomatic efforts collapse. However, concerns persist in Kyiv and among European allies about the potential for a “land swap” arrangement, in which Ukraine might be pressured to cede certain territories to Russia. While Zelenskyy has shown some openness to informal recognition of the current frontlines, constitutional restrictions prohibit any formal territorial concessions. Critics warn that such a deal could cement Russian control over occupied regions and undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.