US President Donald Trump says he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15 to discuss ending the war in Ukraine — and hinted the talks could involve a controversial territorial “swap.”
Trump announced the meeting after his deadline for a Ukraine ceasefire passed without agreement. He said any peace deal might include exchanging territory “to the betterment of both,” but gave no details.
Kyiv rejects land concessions
Ukraine and its allies have repeatedly opposed any plan requiring it to give up land, including Crimea and other Russian-occupied regions. Moscow insists any agreement must recognise its control over areas seized since 2014.
Legal and political hurdles
Putin faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, but the US is not an ICC member. The Alaska venue — the US state closest to Russia — avoids most travel complications, though the Kremlin had earlier suggested the UAE.
Mixed reactions
Analysts warn that recognising Russia’s territorial gains could encourage further aggression. It’s also unclear whether Trump’s “land swap” plan addresses Russia’s other demands, such as blocking Ukraine’s NATO membership.
Trump insists peace is possible, saying, “The European leaders want to see peace. President Putin, I believe, wants to see peace, and Zelensky wants to see peace.”
