Alaska — U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, aiming to address the ongoing war in Ukraine. The summit may also include European leaders, according to Trump, who said the meeting seeks “some stoppage in fighting” to create space for broader negotiations.
The conflict, which began with Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, currently sees Moscow controlling just over 18% of Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has insisted Kyiv will not cede eastern regions, warning that giving up land could trigger further aggression.
A recent Pew Research Center poll finds Americans divided on U.S. involvement: 50% support helping Ukraine, while 47% oppose it. Democrats show stronger backing than Republicans, though GOP support has risen since March. 
Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the summit as a chance to discuss ceasefires, territorial disputes, and security guarantees, stressing that any peace agreement will require agreement from both Ukraine and Russia.
Trump has said he expects to gauge progress quickly and indicated he may hold a solo press conference if the talks “don’t end well.”
