The world will witness a high-stakes face-to-face meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin , in Alaska on Friday (local time) to decide the fate of the war in Ukraine. What's so peculiar is that both countries are gathering to determine the trajectory of war in Ukraine without involving the leader of the country, whose future is being negotiated over his head.
However, the US president hoped for a 25 per cent chance that the summit would fail. He floated the idea that if the meeting with Putin yields a positive result, he might invite Zelenskyy for a three-way meeting. But will Russia give a green flag to it?
Nobel Prize push?
No surprise that US president is batting for Nobel Peace Prize, and this sit-down will offer him an opportunity to shine in the world as both a master dealmaker and a global peacemaker. He has long claimed and boasted of bringing the slaughter to a close, for which the world is waiting.
Why is Putin interested?
No, everything is not for Trump; Putin has agreed to the summit as he wants to block Kyiv's bid to join Nato military alliance and pull Ukraine back into Moscow's orbit.
Trump is risking bringing Putin onto US soil
Putin's step on US soil will bring plenty of risks to Trump, as he will give Russia the validation he desires after his ostracisation following its war with Ukraine. Further, Trump may upset Europe if US and Russia agree to a deal that Ukraine never expected. Also, exclusion of Zelenskyy from the summit came as a big blow to the West's policy of "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine."
Ceasefire or chess game? The Alaska agenda
The summit has been called to cover pathways to end war, secure security guarantees, and enhance the US-Russia relationship. Trump, who seems to be too excited for the meeting, hinted at "territorial swaps" as part of a peace deal. However, the territory swapping idea is deeply unpopular in Ukraine and among US allies.
Putin, who is very focused on the inclusion of Ukraine's territory, is expected to reiterate demands for halting Western arms supplies to Kyiv and freezing its military mobilisation.
The talks may touch on sanctions, Nato posture, and the possibility of renewed bilateral cooperation. Will the tariff also be considered? Trump knows. The day's schedule includes a one-on-one meeting, delegation-level talks, and a working breakfast, culminating in a joint press conference.
The guessing game
The much-awaited talk could produce either a symbolic handshake or a controversial breakthrough — with little middle ground. Trump has publicly pegged the odds of failure at 25%, while Moscow has been noncommittal, saying it "never plans ahead." Critics fear Trump might make concessions without securing enforceable commitments, while supporters believe the very fact of a US–Russia sit-down could pave the way for de-escalation. Allies — from India to Europe and China — will be watching to see whether Trump's threats carry weight or if the meeting signals a shift toward a more transactional US foreign policy.
However, the US president hoped for a 25 per cent chance that the summit would fail. He floated the idea that if the meeting with Putin yields a positive result, he might invite Zelenskyy for a three-way meeting. But will Russia give a green flag to it?
Nobel Prize push?
No surprise that US president is batting for Nobel Peace Prize, and this sit-down will offer him an opportunity to shine in the world as both a master dealmaker and a global peacemaker. He has long claimed and boasted of bringing the slaughter to a close, for which the world is waiting.
Why is Putin interested?
No, everything is not for Trump; Putin has agreed to the summit as he wants to block Kyiv's bid to join Nato military alliance and pull Ukraine back into Moscow's orbit.
Trump is risking bringing Putin onto US soil
Putin's step on US soil will bring plenty of risks to Trump, as he will give Russia the validation he desires after his ostracisation following its war with Ukraine. Further, Trump may upset Europe if US and Russia agree to a deal that Ukraine never expected. Also, exclusion of Zelenskyy from the summit came as a big blow to the West's policy of "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine."
Ceasefire or chess game? The Alaska agenda
The summit has been called to cover pathways to end war, secure security guarantees, and enhance the US-Russia relationship. Trump, who seems to be too excited for the meeting, hinted at "territorial swaps" as part of a peace deal. However, the territory swapping idea is deeply unpopular in Ukraine and among US allies.
Putin, who is very focused on the inclusion of Ukraine's territory, is expected to reiterate demands for halting Western arms supplies to Kyiv and freezing its military mobilisation.
The talks may touch on sanctions, Nato posture, and the possibility of renewed bilateral cooperation. Will the tariff also be considered? Trump knows. The day's schedule includes a one-on-one meeting, delegation-level talks, and a working breakfast, culminating in a joint press conference.
The guessing game
The much-awaited talk could produce either a symbolic handshake or a controversial breakthrough — with little middle ground. Trump has publicly pegged the odds of failure at 25%, while Moscow has been noncommittal, saying it "never plans ahead." Critics fear Trump might make concessions without securing enforceable commitments, while supporters believe the very fact of a US–Russia sit-down could pave the way for de-escalation. Allies — from India to Europe and China — will be watching to see whether Trump's threats carry weight or if the meeting signals a shift toward a more transactional US foreign policy.
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