On the eve of a crucial Alaska summit, US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to pursue peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, setting the tone for what is expected to be one of the most closely watched diplomatic engagements since Trump returned to office. “I think President Putin will make peace and President Zelensky will make peace,” he told reporters, adding that both sides now appeared open to ending the war.

The first round of talks is scheduled to take place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska on Friday, August 15. Trump emphasized that the primary objective of the meeting is to stop the ongoing bloodshed, stating that he is willing to consider “various incentives — including rare mineral access” if they help produce a peace deal. “We’re going to save a lot of lives… thousands of soldiers a week. That’s what I’m doing this for,” he said.

Looking beyond the Alaska summit, Trump revealed that a second, more decisive round of talks is already being planned, which would include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and possibly select European leaders. “The more important meeting will be the second one — with President Putin, President Zelenskyy, myself, and maybe a few European leaders. We’ll see if they can sit together and make peace,” Trump said.

He again described the conflict as “Biden’s war”, asserting that Russia would not have launched a full-scale invasion if he had been in the White House at the time. “Millions of people have been killed because of a war that never should have happened. I’m here for one reason — to try to stop the killing,” he said. Trump also indicated that he would know “within the first two minutes” of his meeting with Putin whether a peace deal is actually possible.

When asked about potential future US-Russia commercial ties, Trump did not rule it out, saying, “If Russia turns toward business instead of war — yes, I can see normal trade resuming.” He added that Russia has “very valuable land” and could benefit more from economic partnerships than prolonged conflict.

A Russian government aircraft landed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage on Thursday evening, ahead of the summit. Putin is expected to arrive later on Friday. Meanwhile, protesters marched through Alaska’s streets with ‘Go Home Putin’ banners, while the US Secret Service reportedly airlifted special vehicles and additional security units to the base in preparation for the meeting.

Widely regarded as Trump’s biggest foreign policy test since returning to office, the Alaska summit could serve as a turning point in the Russia-Ukraine war — and the global diplomatic community will be watching closely to see whether his personal diplomacy can deliver a meaningful step toward peace.

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