Anchorage, Alaska — Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in Alaska today, August 15, for a closely watched meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The summit, centered on possible pathways to ending the war in Ukraine, has drawn worldwide attention — both for its diplomatic weight and its unexpected setting.
In a statement ahead of the talks, Mr. Trump expressed hope for progress, telling NBC News he believes President Putin is “interested in making a deal.” He added that the meeting could be “very productive,” and that, should meaningful progress be achieved, he would support a follow-up summit involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
This visit marks the first time in nearly ten years that President Putin has met with a U.S. leader on American soil. Their last official summit occurred in Geneva in 2021, before the conflict in Ukraine intensified.
Putin’s arrival has also sparked debate about international law and jurisdiction. Although the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant for Putin, legal experts point out that the United States is not a member of the ICC and is not legally bound to enforce its directives.
Security observers also note that Alaska’s geographic closeness to Russia — combined with its limited exposure to international airspace — makes it a strategically practical choice for such a sensitive diplomatic meeting.